May 2026 Desi Australia Digital Magazine

Coe

08. 12. ANZAC DAY SERVICE AT A FIRST HISTORIC CELEBRATION OF VAISAKHI

The Australia India Cenotaph Committee

On 19th April, at the Oran Park Leisure

20. WHEN CHILDREN SERVE: A MOTHER’S DAY TO

Some Sundays stay with you long after...

28. THE SALVATION ARMY MULTICULTURAL LAUNCH

A powerful show of unity and com1passion...

36. A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING IN SYDNEY & CANBERRA.

The World Spiritual Forum NSW presented...

42. 69TH BLAKE PRIZE EXHIBITION SHOWCASES SPIRITUAL

One of Australia’s most respected and ....

49. BONGOSATHI’S RABINDRA JAYANTI WITH REZWANA

Bongosathi’s Rabindra Jayanti celebration ...

61. SARAVANAA BHAVAN OPENS IN SYDNEY CBD, MARKING

The globally recognised South Indian Veg. .....

74. SOUTH ASIAN CINEMA TAKES A STRONG SPOTLIGHT AT

The 73rd edition of the Sydney Film Festival....

PUBLISHER

Desi Australia Pty Ltd

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Arti Banga

CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR

Dimple Banga

NSW EDITOR: Sukruti Narayanan

VICTORIA EDITOR: Satinder Chawla Pooja Prem

QUEENSLAND

EDITOR:

Rajni Ghai Malhotra

ACT EDITOR: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

DESIGNER

Ðevender Kumar

ARTI BANGA

Editor-in-Chief

EDITOR'S

LETTER

Hello Everyone,

AsMayarriveswithitswarmthandvibrant energy,communitiesacrossAustraliaand aroundtheworldcometogethertocelebratethe unconditionallove,strengthandcareof mothers.Mother'sDayismorethanjustadate onthecalendar.Itisaheartfeltreminderofthe importantrolemumsplayinshapingfamilies, nurturingdreamsandcreatingmemoriesthat staywithusforever

Email : info@DesiAustralia.com

Fromhandmadecardsandbreakfastsurprisesto familyoutingsandquietmomentsspent togetherathome,childrenexpresstheirlovefor theirmothersincountlessmeaningfulways.No matterhowsimpleorgrandthegesturemaybe, itisthepresenceofamotherthatmakesevery momentfeelspecial.

InthiseditionofDesiAustraliaMagazine,we aredelightedtoshowcaseinspiringstoriesfrom youngSydneychildrenwhowenttheextramile tomakeMother'sDaymemorablefortheir mums.Alongsidethesetouchingmoments,this

issuealsohighlightsthevibrantspiritofour multiculturalcommunitythroughcelebrationsof VaisakhiandBoisakhi,reflectionsonANZACDay, excitingconcerts,communitygatherings,food, travel,sportsandmanymorestoriesfromacross Australia.

AtDesiAustralia,weremaincommittedtosharing storiesthatconnect,celebrateandupliftourSouth Asiancommunity Wehopeyouenjoyreadingour Mayeditionandencourageyoutoreachouttous withstories,achievementsandcommunity momentsthatdeservetobesharedwithawider audience.

AtDesiAustralia,wearealwaysinspiredbythe peopleandstoriesthatshapeourcollectivejourney Ifyouhaveastory,event,orachievementyou wouldliketoshare,wewarmlyinviteyouto connectwithusatinfo@DesiAustralia.com.

Happy reading!

DesiAustralia.com

“Keeping you connected”

Satinder Sartaaj Creates a Historic Night in Canberra with His Heritage Tour

ThecityofCanberracamealive withmusic,poetryandcultural prideasrenownedPunjabi singerandpoetSatinderSartaaj broughthismuch-awaitedHeritage Tourtothenation’scapital.The concertattractedanoverwhelming responsefromtheSouthAsian community,withfanstravellingfrom acrossCanberraandsurrounding regionstowitnessaneveningthat manydescribedasoneofthebiggest Punjabilivemusiceventsthecityhas everseen.

ThecityofCanberracamealivewith music,poetryandculturalprideas renownedPunjabisingerandpoet SatinderSartaajbroughthismuchawaitedHeritageTourtothenation’s capital.Theconcertattractedan overwhelmingresponsefromthe SouthAsiancommunity,withfans travellingfromacrossCanberraand surroundingregionstowitnessan eveningthatmanydescribedasone ofthebiggestPunjabilivemusic eventsthecityhaseverseen.

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Theeventwasproudlybroughttous byAjayKumarwhoisthefacebehind somanysuccessfulconcertsinSydney andPerthspecificallyGurdasMaan SaabandRahatFatehAliKhan.Thisis hissecondeverorganizedinCanberra afterhighlysuccessfulGurdasMaan concertin2018.Hetookabreakafter thatandwhatacomebackwiththis concert.Everydetailofthissuccessful eventwaswelllookedafter.Hewas personallymeetingsomanypeoplein everycornerofthevenuemakingsure everyoneishappyandenjoying.

SatinderSartaajiswidelyrespected notonlyforhissoulfulsingingbutalso forhispoeticdepthandmeaningful lyrics.Throughouttheevening,he deliveredacaptivatingperformance filledwithemotion,spiritualityand culturalconnection.Fanspassionately sangalongtosomeofhismostloved songswhilealsoembracingthe deepermessagescarriedthroughhis poetryandstorytelling.

TheHeritageTourconcertinCanberra feltlargerthanjustamusical performance.Itbecameamomentof culturalunitywherepeoplefrom differentgenerationscametogether tocelebratetheirsharedheritageand identity.Manyaudiencemembers describedtheeveningasemotional andunforgettable,withSartaaj’s connectiontothecrowdcreatinga warmandpowerfulatmosphere throughoutthevenue.

ThesuccessoftheCanberraconcert alsohighlightedanimportantshiftin Australia’sentertainmentlandscape. WhilemajorSouthAsianconcertshave traditionallyfocusedonlargercities likeSydneyandMelbourne,the massiveresponseinCanberra demonstratedthestrongdemandfor large-scalePunjabiandSouthAsian culturaleventsintheACT

TheeventshowcasedCanberra’s growingimportanceasadestination forinternationalSouthAsianartists andperformances.

Concertslikethesecontinuetoplaya significantroleformulticultural communitiesacrossAustralia.Beyond entertainment,theyhelppreserve language,cultureandtraditionwhile creatingasenseofbelongingfor youngergenerationsgrowingupaway fromtheirancestralroots.The HeritageTourbroughttogether thousandsofpeoplethroughmusic andculturalpride,makingtheevening alandmarkmomentforCanberra’s SouthAsiancommunity

Asthenightconcludedwithstanding ovationsandunforgettablememories, itbecameclearthatSatinderSartaaj’s HeritageTourhadleftalastingimpact onCanberra.Formanyattendees,it wasmorethanaconcert—itwasa celebrationofheritage,identityand communityspiritthatwillbe rememberedforyearstocome.

Credit JindeepPhotograpy

Photo

ANZAC Day Service at ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph Brings Community Together in a Moving Tribute

TheAustraliaIndiaCenotaph

Committee(AICC),aprojectof theHinduCouncilofAustralia, hostedadeeplymovingANZACDay ServiceattheANZACJawan Cenotaph,markingthe111th anniversaryoftheGallipolilanding.

HeldinpartnershipwiththeHornsby RSLSub-Branch,theceremony broughttogetherDefencepersonnel, dignitaries,communityorganisations andfamiliestohonourtheshared sacrificesofAustralianandIndian soldiers.

ACeremonyRootedin SharedHeritage

TheServicecommencedwitha

welcomeaddressbySaiParavastu, NationalPresidentoftheHindu CouncilofAustralia,whohighlighted thecenotaph’snationalimportanceas asymbolofAustralia–Indiamilitary heritage.

Theceremonywasledthroughoutby AnandManickam,VicePresidentof

theAICC,whoservedasMasterof Ceremoniesandensuredtheprogram wasconductedwithdignityand precision.

StrongRepresentationAcross Communities

Theeventsawastrongpresenceof

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federal,stateandlocalgovernment representatives,alongsidecommunity leadersandchaplainsfromdiverse culturalandfaithbackgrounds–reflectingtheinclusivespiritofthe commemoration.

TheAustralianArmyCadets–202Unit, ledbyNatalieJackson,mountedthe CatafalquePartywithprecision, settingasolemnandrespectfultone fortheService.

VoicesofReflectionand Remembrance

DistinguishedspeakersincludedJulian Leeser,NiravKumar,SmritiMurali KrishnaandMurrayNorman.

Eachspeakerreflectedonthemesof remembrance,communityandshared values,acknowledgingthesacrifices madebythosewhoserved.

CommunityParticipation andCulturalUnity

Theceremonyreceivedstrongsupport fromHornsbyShireCouncil, CherrybrookTechnologyHighSchool andtheIABBVHindiSchool,with studentsandrepresentatives contributingmeaningfullythroughout theevent

Interfaithprayers,hymnsanda heartfeltwreath-layingceremony highlightedtheunityofAustralia’s multiculturalcommunity.The ServiceconcludedwiththeOdeof Remembrance,theLastPostand thenationalanthemsofAustralia andIndia,deliveredwithreverence andpride.

ASymbolofShared Historyand Remembrance

TheANZACJawanCenotaphin Cherrybrookholdsspecial significanceasaNewSouthWales memorialdedicatedspecificallyto ANZACsoldiersofIndianheritage.

Itcontinuestostandasapowerful symbolofsharedhistory,friendship andremembrance–honouringthe legacyofthosewhoservedwhile bringingcommunitiestogetherin reflectionandrespect.

India’s New High Commissioner to Australia Officially Assumes Role

India’snewlyappointedHigh

CommissionertoAustralia,Nagesh Singh,formallyassumedhis diplomaticresponsibilitiesafter presentinghiscredentialstoSam Mostynon5May2026.

Thecredentialsceremonytookplace atGovernmentHouseinCanberra, markingtheofficialcommencement ofMrSingh’stenureasIndia’stop diplomaticrepresentativeinAustralia. Followingtheceremony,thenewHigh CommissionerinspectedtheGuardof Honour,alongstandingdiplomatic traditionthatsymbolisestheformal recognitionofaforeignenvoybythe hostnation.

MrSinghisaseniorofficerofthe IndianForeignService(IFS)fromthe 1995batchandbringswithhim extensivediplomaticexperience.Prior tohisappointmenttoAustralia,he servedasIndia’sAmbassadorto

Thailandandhaspreviouslyheld severalkeydiplomaticroles,including ChiefofProtocolinIndia’sMinistryof ExternalAffairsandConsulGeneralof IndiainAtlanta,UnitedStates.

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Hisappointmentcomesata significanttimeinthegrowing relationshipbetweenIndiaand Australia.Overrecentyears,thetwo nationshavestrengthened cooperationacrossseveralsectors includingtrade,education,defence, technology,renewableenergy,and people-to-peopleties.

Australiaishometoalargeandrapidly growingIndiandiaspora,includinga vibrantSouthAsiancommunitythat continuestoplayanimportantrolein strengtheningculturalandeconomic connectionsbetweenthetwo countries.

ThearrivalofthenewHigh Commissionerisexpectedtofurther deepenbilateralengagementand supportongoingcollaboration betweenIndiaandAustraliainthe Indo-Pacificregion.

Inapostsharedonsocialmedia followingtheceremony,theHigh Commissioner’sofficestatedthatMr Singhpresentedhiscredentialstothe Governor-GeneralofAustraliaand officiallybeganhistenureinCanberra.

TheIndiancommunityacrossAustralia isexpectedtocloselyfollowhis engagementsinthecomingmonths, particularlyinareasrelatingto diasporarelations,education partnerships,businesscollaboration, andculturalexchange.

A first Historic celebration of in Macarthur region Vaisakhi

Sukruti Narayanan

On19thApril,attheOran ParkLeisureCentre,over 1500peoplewitnessedthe historicLaunchofVaisakhiforthe firsttimeeverintheMacarthur region.

VaisakhiistheHarvestfestivaljustthat symbolisesthecelebrationofcourage, faith,andthebirthofaspiritthat refusestobow–remindingusthattrue prosperityliesinunity,resilience,and risingstrongertogether

TheeventwasorganisedbyRedCrown Events ledbyAmandeepKaurand ManpreetKaurundertheleadershipof

Dr AbhaSuri,havingtheMayor–Ms. ThereseFedeliinauguratingthefestival. Distinguishedguestscamefromacross Sydneytowitnessandsupportthis historicmoment–ChiragJoshi,Dr NaveenShukla,GiteshAgarwal,Bob Bajaj,ShefaliPall,Sharmily Mukherjee,SukrutiNarayanan,CrEva Campbell,CrPeterMaclean,Binod Poudel,ArtiBanga,DimpleHarteez, andVishalSharma.Theirpresence addedgreatwarmthandencouragement tothismilestonecelebration.

Aspecialacknowledgementwasmade totheofficersinuniform,Sergeant DanielScavoneandConstableAkshay JaiKumar,whosepresencereflected theirongoingcommitmentto communitysafetyandengagement.

Itwasequallyencouragingtoseelocal businessesturnoutinlargenumbers, takingtheopportunitytoshowcasetheir offeringsandconnectwiththe community.Supportinglocalenterprise alongsideculturalcelebrationadded anothermeaningfuldimensiontothe day.

Fortheveryfirsttime,aculturalevent witnessedtheengineeringmodelof Australianbuiltsatellite–WaratahSeed fortheveryfirsttime.Thiswasan initiativeofAIMERSFoundationto bringcommunitiesclosertoScience anditwasbroughttolifebyDr.Abha Suri.

Theeventrunningbetween11am and5pm,witnessedperformances presentedbymorethan125 performersthatenthralledthe audience.

Atrulyremarkableevent–where businessesdidn’tjustsponsorbut believedinthevision,where stallholdersandperformersbrought energyandculturetolife,andwhere thecommunitycametogetherasone vibrantforce.Guidedbyinspiring leaders,itbecamemorethananevent –

itwasapowerfulreflectionofunity, purpose,andcollectivestrengthin action.

Eventslikethisremindusofwhat makesCamdensounique–our diversity,oursharedspirit,andour willingnesstocelebrateeachother’s stories.Theenergy,thecolour,the music,andtheprideinPunjabiculture createdanatmospherethatwasboth upliftinganddeeplymeaningful.

DesiAustraliawishesDr AbhaSuri andtheentireteamallsuccessin bringingmoreeventsbringing communitiescloser.

C Day Service at ood Sikh War Memorial Unites Communi in Reflection and Respect

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Onthissolemnmorning,peoplefrom diversebackgroundscametogetherin unity,reflectingasharedcommitment toremembrance,respectand gratitude.Theceremonystoodasa powerfulreminderthatbeyond differences,communitiescanstandas oneinacknowledgingthelegacyof serviceandsacrifice.

AGatheringof CommunityandLeaders

deeplymovingANZACDay

Servicewasheldatthe GlenwoodSikhWarMemorial, wheremembersofthecommunity gatheredinsilencetohonourthe courageandsacrificeofthosewho served.

Theservicewasattendedbyseveral distinguishedguestsandcommunity leaders,includingJulieGriffiths, WarrenKirby,MoninderSingh, PrabhjotSandhu,AmarinderBajwa andKushpinderKaur

Specialacknowledgementwasgiven toBruceShaw,Presidentofthe RiverstoneRSLSubBranch,forhosting themeaningfulservice.

WreathLayingCeremony

Acentralmomentoftheceremony wasthewreathlaying,ledby representativesfromgovernment, defenceandcommunity organisations.Participantsincluded ClrMoninderSinghrepresentingthe MayorofBlacktown,ClrCartwright representingMichelleRowland,and WarrenKirbyrepresentingthePremier ofNSW.

TheywerejoinedbyTomBeamish, StephenBali,JohnO’Brien,andTod Mackay.

ThetributealsoincludedSikhveterans ledbyGurmejSinghandSarjinder Singh,alongsidemembersofthe SinghsSocialMotorcycleClub Australia.

AMomentofSilence andReflection

AstheLastPostechoedacrossthe memorial,aprofoundstillnessfilled thespace.Theraisingoftheflagtofull mastbymembersofthemotorcycle clubaddedtothesolemnityofthe occasion,symbolisinghonour remembranceandnationalpride.

Inthatmoment,attendeeswer remindedofasimplebutpower truth–thatfreedomcomesatacost andthesacrificesofthosewhoser mustneverbeforgotten.

ALegacyofUnityandRemembrance

TheserviceatGlenwoodSikhW Memorialonceagainhighlightedthe strengthofAustralia’smulticultural community,whereshar respectandremembrancebring peopletogether

Throughceremonieslik legacyofthosewhoser continuestoliveon–notonly inmemory,butintheunityand actionsofthecommunities theyhelpedprotect.

Lestweforget.

When Children Serve: A Mother’s Day to Remember

Pooja BharatSethi

SomeSundaysstaywithyoulong

afterthedishesarewashedand theapronsfoldedaway.Sunday, 3rdMay2026,wasoneofthose.

Itbegan,asmostbeautifulthingsdoin ourcommunity,withaquestion.

Forthelasttwoyears,PoojaBharathas gatheredIndianfamiliesacrossSydney foreventsthatfeellikebackyardhome chaicircles,festivalsunderfairylights, women’swellnesschallenges,and countlessquietmomentsofsisterhood. Butsomewherebetweenthe celebrations,westartedasking ourselvesaquieterquestion.

Whatdowewantourchildrento rememberusfor?

SomeSundaysstaywithyoulongafter thedishesarewashedandtheaprons foldedaway.Sunday,3rdMay2026, wasoneofthose.

Itbegan,asmostbeautifulthingsdoin ourcommunity,withaquestion.

Forthelasttwoyears,PoojaBharathas gatheredIndianfamiliesacrossSydney foreventsthatfeellikebackyardhome chaicircles,festivalsunderfairylights, women’swellnesschallenges,and countlessquietmomentsofsisterhood. Butsomewherebetweenthe celebrations,westartedasking ourselvesaquieterquestion.

Whatdowewantourchildrento rememberusfor?

Notthebrunches.Notthegifts.Notthe perfectInstagrammomentsofMother’s Day

Wewantedthemtoremembertheway ourhandsmovedwhenwefedsomeone whoneededit,thewayourmothers movedbeforeus,andthewaytheirs movedbeforethem.“Anna-daanse badakoidaannahi.Nocharityis greaterthanthegiftoffood.”

Thatwastheseedof“Cookingwith Compassion.”By8:00AMthatSunday, thekitchenhadtransformed.

Traysclattered,knivestapped,children weavedbetweenlegs,andthe unmistakablehumofanIndianfamily operationfilledtheair Wewerethereto cookvegetarianpastaandvegbakefor thehomelesscommunitytheMission serveseachweek,andtodecorate cupcakesthatourchildrenwouldlater handoutthemselves.

InonecornerstoodMrsLeelaGune, ninety-plusyearsold,chopping vegetableswiththeprecisionofa

Sherefusedthechairweoffered.“Beta, thisthick,otherwisetheywon’tsoften properly,”sheinstructedayounger volunteer,thenturnedaroundandmade afive-year-oldlaughbypretendingto stealhiscupcake.“Atmyage,”she smiled,“theonlythingthatkeepsme youngisfeedingpeople.Aslongasmy handscanchop,Iwillchop.Aslongas myheartcanlove,Iwilllove.”

Besideher,herdaughter-in-law,Mrs AnitaGune,workedalongsideher daughter,Rashmi,threegenerations threadedtogetherbypipingbagsand

laughter,decoratingcupcakesbakedthe nightbeforebyAyesha,awonderfully talentedyoungbakerfromour community.Surekha,withherquiet expertiseanddecadesofcooking wisdom,anchoredthekitchenwiththe kindofpresenceeveryIndiankitchen needs,sothatonetastefromherspoon tolduswewereontherighttrack.Milli andShilpamovedthroughitalllike theywererunningtheirownhome kitchens,chopping,stirring,lifting

spirits.“Thisisexactlythekindof Mother’sDayIwanted,”Shilpa laughed,flouronhercheek.

ThenthereweretheBhatias,who arrivedat8AMsharp.MasterEerav, notallerthanthecounter,tookonthe seriousjobofpeelingcarrotsand choppingsweetpotatoes.Hourslater, hewouldwalkuptotheservingtable withcupcakesinhissmallhands, offeringthemtostrangerswiththe

womanwhohasfedalifetimeof people.

unselfconsciouskindnessonlychildren carry.“Inourculture,”hisfatherAmit Bhatiasaidquietly,“youdon’twait untilyouhaveplentytogive.Yougive whatyouhave,today.”

DrSharmilaandhersonArjunastepped awayfromapackedscheduletojoinus aquietreminderthatnomatterhowfull ourdiariesget,thereisalwaysroomto feedsomeonewhoneedsit.

Acrosstheroom,Anjaleehadcome withheradultchildren,youngadults whochosetospendtheirSunday morninghere.“Iwantedmykidstosee whatMother’sDaylookslikeinour family,”shesaid.“Notbreakfastinbed. Service.Becauseonedaytheywillbe parentstoo.”

AndParulMehtafromIndian Matrimonial,withourfriendSanyjot, workedthekitchenlikethey’dbeenpart ofitforever.“Foodisthefirstlanguage oflove,”Parulsmiled.“Todaywejust spokeitalittlelouder.”Bynoon,we wheeledthetraysoutunderthegreat oldtreebesideStPatrick’sCathedral, wheretheMission’scommunitylunch wasbeingsetup.Longwhitetables, glovedhands,aquietqueueofguests waitingfortheirweeklymeal.

CELEBRATIONS

Andthencamethemomentnoneofus willforget.Ourchildren,thesameones whohadbeengigglingovericingtwo hoursearlier,steppeduptotheserving tablesandbeganofferingplatesto strangers.

Carefully.Quietly.Withtheseriousness onlychildrencarrywhentheysense somethingsacredishappening.Mothers stoodbackandwatched.Someofus hadtolookaway,eyesfull.

Mother’sDayisn’tthesamefor everyone.Forsome,it’sflowersand brunch.

Forothers,aquietacheofmissing someone.Forsome,adaywithouta motheratall.Butthereisonethingall

ofuscandotoholdupthehumanityof theday

Carryforwardwhatmothershave alwaysdone:feedpeople,softenthe world,leaveitwarmerthanwefoundit.

Amother’sheartmeltswhenshecooks forherchildren.Whatwediscoveredon Sundaywasthatthesamemelting happenswhenwecookforanybody’s children,whenwecookforthewhole familyofhumanity

ThatisthekindofMother’sDaywe wanttokeepcelebrating.Toeverysoul whopouredloveintothosetraysandto ourchildren,whoservedwithsuch grace,ourmothersandtheirmothers wouldbeproud.

Gupta

SydneySanskritSchoolisthefirst Sanskritcommunitylanguage schoolintheSouthern Hemisphere.Thisyeartheschoolis celebratingits20thAnniversary.Thisis notonlyaremarkablemilestone,but alsoasymbolrepresentingthe countlesseffortstheteachersare makingforstudentstolearnSanskrit undertheesteemedguidanceand leadershipofMrsMeenakshiSrinivasan.

SydneySanskritSchoolisanelite schoolpromotingSanatanaDharma andhelpingmanyyoungstudentsnot onlylearntheSanskritlanguagetothe highestlevelbutalsostayconnected withtheirIndianheritageandcultural background.Sanskritisstill accessible,anditsrelevanceisstill aliveforfuturegenerationsbecauseof SydneySanskritSchool.

Agastya

The2026PaniniyamGrammarCamp invitedstudentsfromPre-Dwitheeya, Dwitheeya,andTritiyatostepintothe worldofSanskritwithcuriosity, confidence,andclarity.Itisrootedin thedivinebrillianceofSagePaniniand hisgrammaticalsystem.Thiscamp providedanopportunityforyoung learnerstodelveintocomplex conceptsbyusingengagingand interactivelessonstructures.Through guidedlessonsandasupportive learningenvironment,studentslearnt avastamountofknowledge,along withcrackingarangeofcomplex topicsdevelopedbythedivine intuitionofPanini.

Theinaugurationstartedwithablend ofwisdomandtraditionbyPandit NarendraDaveJifromtheAustralian HinduClergy.Hesharedhis experienceonlifevaluesandthe perpetualimportanceofSanskrit

Thefirstdaybeganwitharefreshing andnutritiousbreakfastfollowedby learningbasicsaroundJyotisha(Indian Astrology).YogaAcharyaRajan SharmaJiexplainedhowJyotishais theancientsystemfromtheVedas thatstudiesthepositionsofplanets andstarsatthetimeofbirthto understandvariouslifepatterns. Further,the4Vedangas,9planetsand theirvariousgoverningenergieswere introduced.Studentsenrichedtheir knowledgearoundvariousBhavas (emotions),andthestructureofthe Hinducalendar.Afterwards,astate winningyogateachercameand sharedhisknowledgewiththe

studentsthroughvarioustechniques tobuildconcentrationandfocus duringtheiryogapractices.The productivedaywasthenwrappedup withsomesoulfulaarti,bhajan,anda well-deservedsleep

Theseconddaycommencedwith somerejuvenatingyogafollowedby somegroundingMahaMantra meditation.Thestudentsdove straightintorevisingthechallenging topicofSamasa(compoundwords) andlearntnewconceptsintroduced bytheteachers.Later,thestudents eachparticipatedinatasktocompose andenactanadvertisementforagiven productinSanskrit.Theeveningwas mainlydedicatedtotheartsof Sanskrit,withanin-depthsession introducingBharatanatyamShastram, SthayiBhava,Rasotpatti,nuancesof Nayaka,andAshtavidhaNayika.

Thestudentsconcludedthe informativedaywithaheartymeal andarestorativenight’srest

Tokickthingsoffonthethirdday, studentsdelvedintoapranayama sessionandarefreshingyogasession, followedbyaninteractivegameon Chandas(poeticmeter)designedby theteachers.Theydovestraightinto Sandhi,wherethestudentsidentified theSandhipadasthroughtranslation andstorytellingexercises.The eveningwassetinmotionwithsome melodicbhajananddramatic performancesoftheNavaRasas.Mr. KarthikSrinivasan’spresentationon the“Powerof10”wasstunningandits connectionto“AhamBrahmasmi”was fascinating.Thedaywasinformative andfilledwithupliftinginteractive gamesandexercises.

Thefinaldaybeganwithlearning sentenceformationsandthevarious componentsthatcanbeaddedto them.Ascrumptiouslunchfollowed, afterwhichthestudentspackedup andpreparedforthevaledictory ceremony.Thevaledictorysession kickedoffwithpeoplerecappingtheir experiencesatthecamp.Wewere privilegedtowelcomeesteemed guests:SewaSingh–Presidentof AssociationofHaryanvi’sinAustralia, DrSunilVyas–FormerPresidentof UnitedIndiaAustralia,MrsUshaGarg –AssistantGovernorofRotaryClubof Strathfield,MrBobbySingh–Yaadein Vision,andfinallyJagdeeshRam–YaadeinVision.Thestudentswere thenallpresentedwithcertificatesof completion,aswellasbooksanda SydneySanskritSchool20th Anniversarycommemorativewater bottle.Afterthevaledictorysession, refreshmentswereservedtoall parentsandstudents.Thisevent officiallymarkedtheconclusionof Paniniyam2026,anothersuccessful yearoflearningandenhancingour Sanskritgrammaticalskills.Thisyear trulybroughtanewlevelofexpertise, deeperlearningandasoulful experienceforstudentsontheirpath toexcellinginSanskrit.Manystudents haveoverwhelminglysharedsimilar enrichingexperiencesthroughoutthe PaniniyamCamp2026.

TheSalvationArmy MulticulturalLaunchUnites Communitiesfor2026 RedShieldAppeal

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powerfulshowofunityand compassionwasondisplayas TheSalvationArmyhostedits nationalMulticulturalLauncheventfor the2026RedShieldAppealatNSW ParliamentHouseon23April.

Theeventbroughttogetherleaders fromgovernment,business,media andmorethan20communitygroups, highlightingthecollectiveeffortto supportvulnerableAustraliansand

strengthenmulticulturalengagement acrossthecountry.

LeadersUnitefora NationalCause

Thelaunchwasformallyledby distinguishedfiguresincludingS. Janakiraman,WarrenKirbyandMarek Ristwej,reflectingstrongcross-sector supportforoneofAustralia’smost recognisedcharitableinitiatives.Now inits62ndyear,theRedShieldAppeal remainsthenation’slargestand longest-runningdoor-knock fundraiser,withagoalofraising$41 millionin2026tofundessential servicesacrossAustralia.

Supporting CommunitiesinNeed

Fundsraisedthroughtheappealhelp delivercriticalsupportinareas includinghomelessness,domesticand familyviolence,youthservices, financialhardship,anddrugand alcoholrehabilitation.Asignificant focusalsoremainsonsupporting culturallyandlinguisticallydiverse communities.

MiriamGluyas,TerritorialCommander ofTheSalvationArmy,emphasisedthe organisation’slong-standing commitmenttomulticulturalAustralia, notingits140-yearhistoryofservice andcommunityimpact

Shehighlightedtheimportanceofthe multiculturallaunchasaplatformto connectwithcommunityleaders dedicatedtosupportingdiverse communities.

ASharedResponsibility AcrossCultures

ShebaNandkeolyar,whose organisationhassupportedthe initiativeforovertwodecades, describedthecampaigntheme“Be Hope”asareflectionofAustralia’s multiculturalspirit–wheregenerosity transcendsculturalboundariesand givingbecomesashared responsibility.

ThecontributionofMulticonnexions hasplayedakeyroleinstrengthening outreachandengagementwithin multiculturalcommunities.

ImpactAcrossAustralia

Throughitsextensivenational networkofmorethan400centresand 2,000services,TheSalvationArmy continuestodeliversignificant impact.Inthepastyearalone,the organisationprovidedassistanceto someoneinneedevery17seconds, deliveredover1.7millioncaresessions, supportedmorethan228,000 individuals,andofferedoverone millionnightsofaccommodation.

Additionally,morethan1.4million mealswereprovidedtopeople accessinghomelessnessservices, underscoringthescaleand importanceoftheorganisation’swork.

ContinuingtheMission ofHope

TheRedShieldAppealstandsasone ofAustralia’smostpowerful expressionsofcommunity compassion,bringingpeopletogether torestoredignity,resilienceandhope forthosefacinghardship

Australiansareencouragedtosupport theappealbydonatingonline,visiting

localSalvosStores,orcontributing throughcommunityfundraising efforts.

Asthecampaigncontinues,the messageremainsclear–everyactof generosityhelpsbuildastronger, moreinclusiveandcompassionate Australia.

CampbelltownBusiness LeadershipLuncheon ShowcasesRegion’sGrowth andCollectiveVision

TDesiAustralia

heCampbelltownChamberof

Commerce&Industryhas deliveredastandoutBusiness LeadershipLuncheon,bringingtogether morethan400leadersfrombusiness, government,educationandthewider communityinapowerfuldemonstration ofregionalcollaboration.

HeldintheheartoftheMacarthur region,theeventhighlighted Campbelltown’sgrowingimportance withinNewSouthWales’economic landscape,reinforcingitsemergenceas akeyhubforgrowth,investmentand opportunity.

StrongLeadershipand RegionalMomentum

Akeyhighlightoftheluncheonwasthe presenceofChrisMinns,whose attendanceunderscoredtheregion’s increasingstrategicsignificanceand futurepotential.

AtthecentreoftheeventwasChamber PresidentShefaliPall,whoseleadership setaconfidentandforward-looking tone.Inheraddress,sheemphasised thattrueprogressintheMacarthur regionisdrivennotonlybyeconomic growthbutbythestrengthofitsdiverse andconnectedcommunity.

Shehighlightedthatleadershiptodayis definedbycollaboration,shared purposeandtheabilitytobringpeople togethertoshapelong-termsuccess.

EconomicInsightsand Opportunities

Addingdepthtotheprogram,Adam Boytondeliveredanoptimistic economicoutlook,offeringvaluable insightsintoresilience,opportunities andtheevolvingbusinessenvironment forlocalenterprises.

Hisperspectivereinforcedconfidencein theregion’seconomictrajectory,

particularlyasbusinessesnavigate changingmarketconditionsandlook towardsustainablegrowth.

AUnifiedVisionfor theFuture

Reflectingontheevent,ShefaliPall describedtheluncheonasadefining moment,notingthealignmentbetween government,businessandcommunity leaders.

Thegatheringdemonstratedashared commitmenttobuildingastronger futureforCampbelltownandthe broaderMacarthurregion–onedriven byinnovation,inclusionandstrategic collaboration.

SupportingBusinesses andEntrepreneurs

Theluncheonalsoreaffirmedthe Chamber’songoingroleinsupporting businessesateverystage,from establishedenterprisestoemerging entrepreneurs.Throughnetworking opportunities,guidanceandaccessto resources,theorganisationcontinuesto strengthentheregion’sbusiness ecosystem.

Businessowners,investorsandaspiring entrepreneursacrossSouthWest Sydneyareencouragedtoengagewith theChambertotapintoitsgrowing networkandsupportsystems.

BuildingaVibrant RegionalFuture

AsCampbelltowncontinuesto evolve,eventsliketheBusiness LeadershipLuncheonplayacrucial roleinfosteringmeaningful connectionsandencouragingforwardthinkingleadership.

Withastrongfoundationbuilton collaborationandcommunity-driven growth,theregionispositioningitself asadynamicandresilienteconomic centre–readytoembracefuture opportunitiesandshapeitsown successstory

Riverstone FestivalBrings Community SpirittoLife inSydney’s NorthWest

Riverstone FestivalBrings Community SpirittoLife inSydney’s NorthWest

DesiAustralia

TheannualRiverstoneFestival onceagainbroughtthousandsof localstogethertocelebratethe culture,diversityandstrongcommunity spiritthatcontinuestoshapeoneof NorthWesternSydney’sfastestgrowingregions.Thepopularevent featuredlocalperformances, communitystalls,familyactivitiesand businessshowcases,turningRiverstone intoavibranthubofcelebrationfor residentsofallages.

HeldintheheartoftheMacarthur region,theeventhighlighted Campbelltown’sgrowingimportance withinNewSouthWales’economic landscape,reinforcingitsemergenceas akeyhubforgrowth,investmentand opportunity

Thisyear’sfestivalwasattendedby severalkeypoliticalandcommunity leaders,includingNSWPremierChris Minns,FederalMemberforGreenway andAustralianAttorney-General MichelleRowland,Memberfor RiverstoneWarrenKirbyand BlacktownCityMayorBradBunting. PremierMinns’visitmarkedhissecond appearanceatthefestivalsince becomingPremierofNewSouthWales.

Thefestivalgavelocalfamilies, volunteers,schoolsandcommunity organisationsanopportunitytocome togetherandshowcasethepeopleand groupshelpingshapeRiverstone’s growingidentity.Throughouttheday, visitorsexploredexhibits,connected withlocalrepresentativesandtookpart inarangeofentertainmentandfamilyfriendlyexperiences.

AsNorthWestSydneycontinuesto experiencerapidpopulationgrowth,the MinnsLaborGovernmentsaysitis

focusedondeliveringmajor infrastructureprojectstosupportlocal communities.Currentprojectsinclude newschools,majorroadupgrades,the RiverstoneTownCentreMasterplan andtheongoingconstructionofthenew RouseHillHospital.

MemberforRiverstoneWarrenKirby describedthefestivalasaproud celebrationofeverythingthatmakesthe localcommunityspecial.Hesaidthe eventhighlightedthestrongconnection betweenresidents,localbusinessesand volunteergroupswhilealsoreflecting thegrowinginvestmentbeingmadeinto infrastructureacrosstheregion.

PremierChrisMinnspraisedthe welcomingatmosphereofthe Riverstonecommunityandthanked volunteersandcommunitygroupsfor helpingmaketheeventpossible.He describedRiverstoneasareflectionof modernSydneyandsaideventslikethe festivalplayanimportantrolein strengtheninglocalconnections.

MichelleRowlandalsoacknowledged thestrongturnoutatthefestival,saying investmentsacrossNorthWestSydney wouldhelpensurelocalfamilieshave betteraccesstoschools,hospitals,roads andessentialservices.Shesaidboth stateandfederalgovernmentswere workingtogethertosupporttheregion’s futuregrowthandliveability.

communityprideandlocalidentity duringaperiodofsignificantgrowth.

BlacktownCityMayorBradBunting saidRiverstoneFestivalcontinuesto playanimportantroleinpreserving

Hesaidtheeventhighlightsthepeople, families,businessesandvolunteerswho makeRiverstoneavibrantand connectedcommunitywithin BlacktownCity.

TDesiAustralia

heWorldSpiritualForumNSW

presented“AwakenYourSoul,”a spirituallyupliftingeventheldon 11April2026atRosehillGardens Racecourse.Sydneysidersgatheredin largenumberstoexperiencethe divinepresenceofSidhguru BrahmrishiShriGuruvandanjiSwami.

AnalumnusofIITKharagpur,Gurudev iswidelyrespectedforhissimplicity, wisdom,andglobaloutreach.Hehas travelledtoover170countries spreadingawarenessandservice,and hasreceivedseveralinternational honours,includingthe“Jyotish Murmagya”award.HisShriBrahmrishi Ashramcontinuestoguideseekers throughVedanta,inspiredbySwami Vivekananda.

A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING INSYDNEY &CANBERRA.

Gurudev’sdiscourseontolerance, innerawareness,andserviceto humanitydeeplyresonatedwiththe audience,leavingasenseofcalmand positivity

Theentireeventwasconductedwith graceandwarmthbyemceeVrishali Jain,withdistinguishedguests AndrewCharltonandJuliaFinn,who acknowledgedthestrengthof Australia’smulticulturalandspiritual diversity.

Theprogrammefeaturedsoulful bhajansbytheMarutinandanGroup, devotionaldrummingbythe ShivgarjanaGroup,Kathak performances,andvibrant presentationsbyRuchiSanghi’s dancegroupandJuhiBhavsar’s NrityamGroup,addingrichcultural depthtotheevening.

AtulKumarji,EventManagerand DirectoroftheWorldSpiritualForum NSW,expressedheartfeltthanksto allvolunteers,teammembers,and participantsfortheirdedicationin makingtheeventagrandsuccess.

Thefollowingday,Gurudev continuedhisspiritualjourneyin Canberra,blessingdevoteesat HinduTempleFlorey,with meditationsessionsledbyNeetha Mehta.

Theweekendofferedadeeply enrichingspiritualexperiencefor communitiesinbothSydneyand Canberra,leavingattendeesinspired anduplifted.

SuperbsoundbySydney’stop engineersAbdulSajwaniandMahedi Sajwani.

UIA Multicultural Cup 2026 Unites Communities Through Cricket in Sydney

OrganisedbytheUnitedIndian Associations(UIA),thetournament tookplaceatBankstownOvalon18 April2026,reinforcingitspositionas oneoftheregion’skeycommunity sportingevents.

SDesiAustralia

ydney’smulticulturalspiritwas

onfulldisplayastheUIA MulticulturalCup2026 broughttogetherplayersand spectatorsfromdiversebackgrounds foravibrantcelebrationofunity, sportandcommunityconnection.

ACelebrationofDiversity ThroughSport

TheMulticulturalCuphasevolvedinto aflagshipinitiativethatgoesbeyond cricket,servingasaplatformfor culturalexchangeandsocialcohesion. Thisyear’seditionwitnessedstrong participationandenthusiasticsupport, reflectingthegrowingimportanceof sucheventsinbringingcommunities together

Fromon-fieldcompetitiontooff-field interactions,thetournamentcreatedan inclusiveenvironmentwherepeople fromdifferentculturalbackgrounds couldconnect,celebrateandbuild lastingrelationships.

StrongGovernmentand CommunitySupport

UIAacknowledgedthecontinued backingoftheNSWGovernmentin supportingmulticulturalinitiatives acrossthestate.Specialrecognitionwas giventoSteveKamperforhis commitmenttostrengthening communityharmonyandencouraging eventsthatcelebratediversity.

Thissupporthighlightsthebroaderrole ofcommunitysportinfostering inclusionandreinforcingsharedvalues acrossNewSouthWales.

BehindtheSuccess: CommunityEffort

Thesuccessfuldeliveryoftheevent wasdrivenbythededicationofUIA’s GeneralCommittee(GC)andExecutive Committee(EC),whosecoordination ensuredaseamlessandwell-organised tournament.

UIAalsoextendedappreciationto communityleaders,volunteers, sponsorsandsupporters,whose contributionsplayedacrucialrolein makingtheeventbothimpactfuland memorable.

BuildingConnectionsThat GoBeyondtheGame

Morethanjustasportingcompetition, theUIAMulticulturalCupcontinuesto strengthenbondsacrosscommunities, promotinginclusivityandmutual respect.Itstandsasareminderofhow sportcanserveasapowerfulbridge–connectingcultures,fostering friendshipsandcelebratingthediversity thatdefinesmodernAustralia.

Asthetournamentcontinuestogrow,it reinforcesasimpleyetpowerful message:unitythriveswhen communitiescometogether–bothon andoffthefield.

AustralianSikhAwardsfor Excellence:Letsrecognise ourUnsungSikhheroes

Afterthemassivesuccessof

2023and2024,theAustralian SikhAwardsforExcellenceare officiallyreturningfor2026!Moving forward,thisspectacularcelebration willtakeplaceeverytwoyears.

NOMINATIONS ARENOWOPEN!

WeneedYOUtohelpusfindour unsungheroes.Theirincrediblework needstoberecognisedand celebratedonboththeAustralianand globalstage.

KnowanoutstandingSikhAustralian makingarealdifference?Anyonecan nominateadeservingcandidatefrom acrossthecountrytogivetheir achievementsthespotlightthey deserve.

KeyDates:

NominationsClose: 14June2026

24FinalistsAnnounced:31July2026 GalaEvent

(8AwardWinnersAnnounced): Sat29Aug2026,5.30PM @Shangri-LaHotel,Sydney

Staytunedformoreupdates.

Nominateaherotoday: https://www.sikhawards.com.au/nomination-form-2026/

Findoutmoreaboutthenominationprocess andexplorethe8awardcategories: https://www.sikhawards.com.au/awards/#categories

DesiAustralia

69th Blake Prize Exhibition Showcases Spiritual Spiritual Art and Poetry at Liverpool Powerhouse Liverpool

ODesiAustralia

neofAustralia’smost

respectedandthoughtprovokingartawards,the69th BlakePrize,issettoopenatthe LiverpoolPowerhouse,offeringa powerfulexplorationofspirituality, religionandbeliefthrough contemporaryartandpoetry

Runningfrom2Mayto14June2026, theexhibitionbringstogether33 artistsandartistcollectivesalongside eightpoets,continuingalegacythat hasshapedAustralia’scultural landscapesincetheprizewasfirst establishedin1951.

APlatformforSpiritual andContemporary Expression

Nowinits69thyear,theBlakePrize holdsauniqueplaceinAustralian artbyencouragingartiststo engagedeeplywiththemesof faith,philosophyandthehuman condition.Ratherthanfocusingon asingletradition,theexhibition reflectsabroadandinclusive understandingofspirituality–encompassingdiversecultural perspectives,personalexperiences andevolvinginterpretations.

Thisyear’sfinalistswereselected byadistinguishedpanelincluding visualartistClaudiaNicholson, academicChrisFlemingandFirst NationscuratorTessAllas.

Thejudgesemphasisedthat contemporaryartcontinuesto approachspiritualquestionswith openness,rigourandimagination, highlightingtheenduringrelevanceof thesethemes.

Liverpool:ACultural HomefortheBlakePrize

SincebecomingthehomeoftheBlake Prize,Liverpoolhasplayeda significantroleinstrengtheningits nationalimpact.Thecity’srich multiculturalidentity–withover150 nationalitiesandmorethan140 languages–makesitanidealsetting foranexhibitioncentredondiverse perspectivesofbeliefandculture.

Image: Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM ‘Painted Desert Continuous Creation Story,’ 2024. Hot blown glass.

Image: Murat Urlali ‘Lamentation,’2025. Gold acrylic piping paste, gold leaf, shell gold, rhinestones, watercolour on cardboard. Courtesy the artist.

LiverpoolCityCouncil’sTinaBono describedtheexhibitionasbold, engagingandemotionallyresonant, notingthatitencouragesvisitorsto reflect,connectandengagein meaningfulconversations.

FullListofFinalists–69th BlakeArtPrize2026

The2026exhibitionfeaturesadiverse groupofartistsfromacrossAustralia:

AkilAhamat(NSW)

TarikAhlip(VIC)

GilesAlexander(NSW)

JivaParthipanandZannyBegg(NSW)

DagmarCyrulla(VIC)

ChristineDean(NSW)

TamaraDean(NSW)

PauladoPrado(NSW)

EmmaFielden(NSW)

ToddFuller(NSW)

PhillipGeorge(NSW)

CroydonWharéc(NSW)

MorganHogg(NSW)

DrewConnorHolland(NSW)

EmilyHunt(NSW)

DeliaJuburri(NT)

CameronKawurlkku(NT)

Pā’utu-‘O-Vava’u-Lahi,Adriana

MāhangaLear(QLD)

DrKirstenGarnerLyttle(VIC)

EnochMailangi(NSW)

JenniferKemarreMartinielloOAM (ACT)

VedikaRampal(NSW)

CarolineRothwell(NSW)

LauriSmith(NSW)

NicolaSmith(NSW)

EJSon(NSW)

AliTahayori(NSW)

TonyTran(NSW)

MuratUrlali(NSW)

BugaiWhyoulter(WA)

PritaTinaYeganeh(QLD)

SaryZananiri(VIC)

Collectiveincluding:GaiusWapi,Pius Wasi,JoachimMamambi,andDavid Bridie,withvideoartistK.Deverell andculturalartistsfromChangriman Village,ChambriLakes(VIC)

Finalists–2026 BlakePoetry Prize

AllisonBrowning

PhillippaCordwell

AdrienneEberhard

FreshtaNawabi

KathrynReese

OmarSakr

TerriSlanovits

ChenWang

Awardsand PublicEngagement

TheBlakePrize continuesto recognise excellence acrossmultiple categories, includingthe mainArtPrize, thePoetry Prize,the AcquisitiveArt Prizeandthe newly introducedNext Generation Scholarship.

Followingtheofficial launchon1May2026, visitorswillalsohave theopportunitytovotefor thePeople’sChoiceAward, furtherencouragingpublic engagementwiththeexhibition.

ALegacyThatContinuestoEvolve

Sinceitsfounding,theBlakePrize haschallengedartiststomove beyondtraditionalreligious representationandexplore deeperquestions ofbelief,identityand meaning.Today,it embracesawiderangeofartistic mediums–frompaintingand sculpturetodigitalmedia,soundand performance–ensuringitscontinued relevanceincontemporaryculture.

Asthe69theditionopens,theBlake Prizeonceagainreaffirmsitsposition asaleadingplatformforspiritualand culturaldialogueinAustralia–inviting audiencestoengagewithartthatis bothdeeplypersonalanduniversally resonant

Image: Paula do Prado ‘Betum,’2025. Crocheted acrylic, wool and cotton yarn, wire, fabric, glass beads. Courtesy the artist.

IDesi Australia

TURBAN, TRADITION AND ABORIGINAL ART SIKH AUSTRALIAN PRESENTS CULTURAL GIFT TO THE DUKE OF SUSSEX

namomentthatbeautifully

capturedthespiritofmodern Australia,aremarkablecultural exchangetookplace,onethatblended heritage,recognition,andcommunity leadership.AstunningIndigenous artworkbyBarbaraWeir,widely regardedasoneofAustralia’sgreatest femaleIndigenousartists,was presentedtoPrinceHarry,symbolising apowerfulstoryofconnectionand diversity.

ThepaintingwasgiftedbyAmar Singh,the2023AustralianoftheYear LocalHero,whoseworkthrough communityservicehasmadea significantimpactacrossthecountry. Thisgesturewasmorethan ceremonial,itrepresentedthecoming togetherofcultures,histories,and sharedrespect

BarbaraWeirwasthoughtfullychosen astheartistforthismeaningfulgift, notonlybecauseofherextraordinary artisticlegacybutalsoduetoher uniquehistoricalconnectionwiththe RoyalFamily.Heruncleservedasthe personalphysiciantoKingGeorgeVI, establishinganearlylinkbetweenher familyandthemonarchy.Further strengtheningthisconnection,in 2005,PrinceCharlesvisitedAlice

Addingtothesignificanceofthe occasion,theDukeofSussexwasalso presentedwithabooktitledArtof Humanity.Thispublicationshowcases 40prominentAustralians,including AmarSingh,highlightingtheir contributionsandstories.Theartwork featuredinthebookhasitsown legacy,itwasgiftedtoOldParliament House,whereitnowstandsasa symbolofunityandservice.Itholds specialimportanceforTurbans4 ustralia,particularlyfortheir nationwideeffortsduringtheCOVID19pandemic.

Thismomentisareminderofwhat true communityleadership,this gesturereflectsanationthatvalues itsIndigenousrootswhileembracing multiculturalcontributions.

ItisinsuchmomentsthatAustralia’s identityshinesthebrightest,where stories,traditions,andpeoplecome togethertocreatesomethingtruly special.

BOISHAKHI MELA DRAWS STRONG CROWDS, CELEBRATES BENGALI NEW YEAR IN MELBOURNE’S WEST

MDesiAustralia

elbourne’swestcamealive withcolour,cultureand communityspiritas BoishakhiMela2026attractedastrong turnout,markingtheBengaliNewYear withavibrantcelebrationthatbrought togetherfamilies,performersandlocal businesses.

HeldatWerribee,thecommunity-led eventorganisedbyBongosathi highlightedthegrowingpresenceof SouthAsianculturalfestivalsin Australia,offeringaplatformwhere

traditionandmodernmulticulturallife seamlesslyintersect.

ACelebrationRootedin CultureandCommunity

BoishakhiMela,whichcelebrates PohelaBoishakh–theBengaliNew Year–hasbecomeanincreasingly prominenteventinMelbourne’s multiculturalcalendar The2026edition drewattendeesfromacrossthecity, reflectingbothstrongcommunity participationandwiderpublicinterest.

Designedasafamily-friendly gathering,theeventcreateda welcomingspaceforpeopleofallages toengagewithBengalitraditionswhile alsointroducingtheculturetobroader audiences.

Performances,Food andFestiveEnergy

Theeveningfeaturedalivelymixof culturalperformances,includingmusic, danceandrecitations,capturingthe spiritoftheNewYear Alongsidethe stageprogram,visitorsexploredarange offoodstalls,fashionoutletsandcraft displays,creatingavibrant,marketstyleatmosphere.

FromtraditionalBengalicuisineto contemporaryculturalexpressions,the eventofferedarichsensoryexperience thatresonatedwithboththediaspora andthewidercommunity.

EngagingtheNext Generation

Akeyfocusofthemelawasyouth engagement,withactivitiessuchas drawingcompetitions,creativeart sessionsandtriviadesignedtoinvolve childrenandteenagers.These interactiveelementsensuredthat youngergenerationscouldconnectwith theirheritageinafunandmeaningful way.

Byblendingtraditionwithinteractive experiences,organisersaimedtokeep culturalcelebrationsrelevantand accessibletoevolvingaudiences.

SupportingLocal Businessesand CommunityNetworks

Beyondculturalcelebration,theevent alsoprovidedanimportantplatformfor smallbusinessesandlocal entrepreneurs.Vendorsrangingfrom foodoperatorstofashionandlifestyle brandswereabletoconnectdirectly withthecommunity,reinforcingthe roleofsuchfestivalsinsupporting grassrootseconomicactivity

Thesecommunity-driveneventsare increasinglysignificantinsuburban areas,wheregrowingmigrant populationsareshapinglocalidentity andculturallife.

AGrowingCultural PresenceinAustralia

ThestrongturnoutatBoishakhiMela reflectsabroadertrendofrising visibilityforSouthAsianfestivals acrossAustralia.Ascommunities continuetogrow,eventsliketheseare playingacrucialroleinpreserving heritagewhilefosteringcross-cultural understanding.

Morethanjustacelebration,themela servedasaspaceforconnection–wheretraditionsareshared,identities arecelebrated,andcommunitiescome togethertowelcomeanewyearwith joyandunity

Mother’sDay

isaspecialtime tocelebratethecare, strength,andlovethatmums bringintoeverydaylife.Whileit’soften seenasadaytogivethanks,it’salsoa chanceforchildren–bothyoungand older–toplayanimportantrolein makingtheirmumfeeltrulyvalued. WhynotmakethisMother’sDayisa beautifulopportunityforyouandyour kidstoreconnectinacalm,pressurefreeway.

Thisappliesespeciallytoteenagers whoareoftenfindingitchallengingto navigateschool,friendships,constant digitalnoise,identityandgrowing independence.Thisiswhereyogaand mindfulnesscanquietlybecome somethingpowerfulyoushare together

Ratherthanforcingdeep conversations,sharingafewmindful momentssidebysidecanbuild connectionnaturally

Here’sasimple,calmroutinemums andkids(includingteenagers)cando togetheronMother’sDay.Ittakes about5–10minutesandworksforall ages.

1.Settle (1minute)

Sitcomfortablytogether,eithercrossleggedorinchairs.Closeyoureyesor softenyourgaze.Letyourshoulders dropandhandsrestgently.

2.Breathing (1-2minutes)

Inhaleslowlythroughthenosefor4 counts,holdfor2,thenexhalethrough themouthfor4.

Youngerkidscanimagine“smellinga flower”(inhale)and“blowingouta candle”(exhale). Repeatquietly,syncingyourbreathsif itfeelsnatural.

3.MindfulMoments (1–2

minutes)

Sittingtogether,gentlynoticehow yourbodyfeels.Noticetherhythmof yourbreath.Thereisnoneedto changeanything–justobserve together.Lookaroundatyourfamily. Allowyourselftofeeltheloveand connectionwiththem.

4.Affirmations(2–3minutes)

Afterafewbreaths,repeatanyorall oftheaffirmationssilentlyoraloud: Iamcalm.Iamsupported.Iam enough.

Iamloved.Iamgratefulforyou Weareconnected.Weareateam.

Finishwithasmileorhugtosealthe moment

ThereYouGo!ThisMother’sDay,step awayfromdistractionsandgiveeach othersomethinglasting:yourtime, yourpresence,andafewblissful momentsofcalm.

Yoursinyoga,Rajni FollowRajnionFacebook @YogaWithRajni

RajniGhai Malhotra

Bongosathi’sRabindraJayanti withRezwanaChoudhuryBannya drawspackedcrowdinWilliamstown

BDesiAustralia

ongosathi’sRabindraJayanti celebration,heldonFriday,8 May2026atCentenaryTheatre, Williamstown,drewapackedaudience anddeliveredanunforgettableevening ofmusic,dance,poetryandcultural reflectioninhonourofRabindranath Tagore.Theeventfeaturedacclaimed RabindraSangeetartistRezwana ChoudhuryBannya,whoseperformance deeplymovedtheaudienceandmade theeveningamemorabletributeto Bengaliheritage.

Theprogrambroughttogether families,students,artistsand membersofMelbourne’sBengali community,reflectingthegrowing interestinhigh-qualityBengali culturaleventsacrossMelbourne’s west.AlongsideBannya’s performance,theeveningincluded recitations,dancepresentationsand communityperformancesinspiredby theenduringliteraryandmusical legacyofTagore.

Bongosathiwashonouredbythe presenceofShriAnishRajan,Consul GeneralofIndiainMelbourne,and MayorCrDianaGrimaofHobsons BayCityCouncil.Theirpresence addedspecialsignificancetothe occasionandhighlightedthe

importanceofmulticulturalcultural programsinstrengthening communityconnectionandshared understanding.

Thestrongaudienceresponseonce againdemonstratedtheimportant rolecommunity-ledculturalevents playinkeepinglanguage,musicand traditionaliveforfuturegenerations whilealsosharingBengaliculture withthewiderAustralian community.Bongosathiextends heartfeltthankstoallguests, supporters,culturalpartners, volunteersandattendeesfor contributingtothesuccessofthe event.

,,“Rabindra Jayanti is not just a cultural event, it is an emotional connection to our roots, our language and our identity

We are deeply grateful to the community for their overwhelming support, and sincerely thankful to our honoured guests, artists, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who made this evening such a grand success.”

Dr. Rabindra Nath Shaw, Founder of Bongosathi, said:

Melbourne,April24–25:The

MelbourneTamilMarket (MTM),organisedbythe AustralianTamilChamberof Commerce,concludedasavibrantand highlysuccessfultwo-daycelebration, bringingtogethermorethan40stalls andattractingover2,000visitors.

Theeventshowcasedtherichnessof Tamilentrepreneurshipandculture, featuringbusinessesacrossfood, beauty,health,lifestyle,clothing, jewellery,wellness,realestate,legal, andfinancialservices.Thevenuecame alivewithactivityacrossmultiple levels,includingdedicatedfoodzones, creatingalivelyandinclusivefestival atmosphere.

Themarketcommencedwitha traditionalinaugurationceremony, whereministers,communityleaders, sponsors,supporters,andATCC committeememberslitthe ceremoniallamp,symbolisingthe

officialopeningandunityofthe community

ATCCVictoriawashonouredtohost severalFederal,State,andLocal Governmentrepresentatives,whose presencehighlightedstrongsupport formulticulturalinitiativesandsmall businesses.

VisitingandInvitedMinisters& Dignitaries

• JulianHillMP–FederalMemberfor Bruce;AssistantMinisterfor Citizenship,Customsand MulticulturalAffairs;Assistant

Poojadevi Premkumar

MinisterforInternational Education

• CassandraFernandoMP–FederalMemberforHolt

• GabrielleWilliamsMP–State MemberforDandenong;Minister forTransportInfrastructure; MinisterforPublicandActive Transport;MinisterforWomen andGirls

• LeeTarlamisMP–StateMember forSouth-EasternMetropolitan Region

• CrMelindaYim–Councillor, CityofGreaterDandenong (representingtheMayor)

• CrStefanKoomen–Mayor,Cityof Casey

• Ann-MarieHermansMP–State MemberforSouth-Eastern MetropolitanRegion

• MengHeangTakMP–State MemberforClarinda

Theirattendanceandwordsof encouragementreinforcedthe importanceofsupportinglocal entrepreneurs,promoting multiculturalengagement,and strengtheningcommunity connections.

Addingtotheculturalvibrancyofthe eventwereperformancesbyartists fromIndia,includingsinger Sathyamagadev,alongsidetalented localperformerswhoentertained audiencesthroughouttheevent

Thestrongturnoutand enthusiasticparticipationfrom bothstallholdersandvisitors reflectedthegrowingdemandfor platformsthatsupportcommunity businessesandculturalexchange.

ATCCVictoriaextendsitssincere thankstoallstallholders,sponsors, communitypartners,media partners,volunteers,performers, andvisitorswhocontributedtothe successofthismilestoneevent.

Thisisjustthebeginninga promisingplatformtocontinue supportingTamilbusinessesand buildingstrongercommunity connectionsacrossMelbourne.

Theimportanceofmultilingual

educationtookcentrestageas ChrisMinnsaddressedthe largest-evergatheringofcommunity languageteachersinAustralia, highlightingthevitalrolelanguages playinshapingthestate’sculturaland economicfuture.

SpeakingattheAnnualCommunity LanguagesTeachersConferencehosted bytheNSWFederationofCommunity LanguageSchoolsatUniversityof Sydney,thePremierdescribed communitylanguagesasa“massive,if undervalued,asset”forNewSouth Wales.

COMMUNITY LANGUAGES A POWERFUL YET UNDERVALUED ASSET, SAYS NSW PREMIER CHRIS MINNS

BeyondTechnology:The ValueofTeachers

Inhisaddress,Minnsemphasised thatwhiledigitaltoolsandlanguagelearningappscontinuetoevolve, theycannotreplacetheimpactof dedicatededucators.Henotedthat itisteacherswhoinspirecuriosity, guidestudentsandfostera genuineconnectionwithboth languageandculture.

Hehighlightedthatlearningan additionallanguagegoesbeyond communication–itbroadens perspectives,deepenscultural understandingandcreates opportunitiesforindividuals andcommunitiesalike.

WarrenDuncan

LanguageasaBridge toOpportunity

Theconferencealsoreinforcedthe broadersignificanceoflanguage educationinAustralia’sglobal engagement.FederationPresidentLucia Johnsdescribedlanguageasakey driverofsocialinclusion,enabling communitiestoparticipatemore activelyinsociety

ShestressedthatAustralia’sfuture dependsonitsabilitytocommunicate notjustinEnglish,butalsointhe languagesofitstradingpartnersand neighbouringregions–strengthening bothculturalandeconomicties.

AChanging MulticulturalLandscape

Academicinsightssharedatthe conferencefurtherhighlightedthe growinglinguisticdiversityacrossthe country.JohnHajekfromtheUniversity ofMelbournepointedoutthatby2021, around22%ofAustralianswere speakingalanguageotherthanEnglish athome.

Thenumbersareevenhigherinmajor cities,withSydneyat37.4%and

Melbourneat34.1%,reflectingthe rapidgrowthofmulticultural communitiesandtheincreasingdemand forlanguageeducation.

Thisshiftisalsoleadingtoariseinthe numberoflanguagesbeingtaughtanda growingnumberofcommunities seekingtopreserveandpassontheir linguisticheritage.

AGrowingFuturefor CommunityLanguage Education

Withdemandcontinuingtorise,experts believecommunitylanguageeducation willbecomemoreprominentand visibleintheyearsahead.The increasingdiversityofAustralia’s populationisexpectedtodrivefurther investmentinlanguageprogramsand expandopportunitiesforstudentsto learnandconnectwithdifferent cultures.

For multicultural communities –includinglargeSouthAsianpopulations acrossAustralia–thisrecognition reinforcestheimportanceofpreserving nativelanguageswhileintegratinginto broadersociety

Astheconferencehighlighted,language ismorethanaskill–itisabridge betweencultures,atoolforopportunity andakeypillarofAustralia’s multiculturalidentity

,,

ThesuburbsofWesternSydney

aresettocomealiveasthe BlacktownCityCouncilunveilsa vibrantlineupforthe2026Blacktown CityFestival,featuring18exciting eventsthroughoutMaythatpromise entertainmentforallages.

Along-standingcommunityfavourite foroverfivedecades,thefestivalhas grownintooneofthelargestcultural celebrationsintheregion,bringing togethermusic,food,performances andfamily-friendlyexperiencesthat reflectthediversityofBlacktown.

MayorBradBuntinghighlightedthe importanceofthefestivalin celebratinglocalidentity,notinghowit continuestobringthecommunity togetherthroughliveandlocal entertainment.

AMonth-Long CelebrationBegins

ThefestivalkicksoffonSunday3May

withVibesbytheLakeatNurragingy Reserve,Doonside–arelaxed,picnicstyleeventwherevisitorscanenjoy soul,funkandreggaemusicbythe waterinascenicoutdoorsetting.

Fromthere,theprogramunfoldsintoa diversemixofeventscateringto differentinterests,fromcomedyand culturetofoodandfamily entertainment

DesiAustralia

Highlightsfromthe 2026Program

Comedyloverscanlookforwardtothe BlacktownFestivalComedyNighton8 MayatBlacktownWorkersClub, featuringwell-knownperformers includingJoeAvatialongsideastrong supportinglineup

Themuch-lovedBlacktownCity MedievalFayrereturnson16and17 MayatNurragingyReserve,offeringa uniquestepbackintimewithknights, traditionalcraftsandimmersive historicaldisplays.

Foodenthusiastscanindulgeatthe SweetIndulgenceDessertFestivalon 22May,wheretheVillageGreen transformsintoavibranthubofsweet treatsandliveentertainmentinthe heartofBlacktown.

Forthosefeelingnostalgic,the90s BingoPartyon23Maypromisesa lively,interactiveexperiencefilledwith music,humourandthrowbackfun.

Musictakescentrestageagainat Swingin’Soundson24Mayat BlacktownShowground,where visitorscanrelaxwithapicnicwhile enjoyingtimelessclassicsperformed bybigbandartists.

FamiliesareinforatreatwiththeKids Concerton27MayatBowmanHall, featuringthebelovedPeppaPig,

bringinggames,songsandinteractive funforyoungeraudiences.

Thefestivalwillculminateon30May withtheiconicStreetsAliveand ParadeDay,whereBlacktowncity centretransformsintoalively celebrationwithmultiplestages,rides, stallsandacolourfulcommunity parade.

CelebratingHistory andCommunity

Addingareflectivetouchtothe festivities,theBlacktownandDistrict HistoricalSocietywillmark50years withamonth-longexhibitionatMax WebberLibrary,showcasingtherich historyandevolutionoftheregion througharchivalphotography

AFestivalforEveryone

Withamixoffreeandticketedevents, theBlacktownCityFestivalcontinues toofferaccessibleentertainment whilecelebratingculture,creativity andcommunityspirit.Residentsand visitorsalikeareencouragedto explorethefullprogramandsecure bookingsearlyforpopularevents.

AsWesternSydneygearsupfora monthofcelebration,thefestival standsasapowerfulreminderofthe region’sdiversityandtheshared experiencesthatbringcommunities together

SaravanaaBhavanOpens inSydneyCBD,MarkingMajor ExpansionofSouthIndian DininginAustralia

ThegloballyrecognisedSouth

Indianvegetarianrestaurant chainSaravanaaBhavanhas officiallyexpandedintoSydney’s centralbusinessdistrict,reinforcingits growingfootprintacrossAustraliaand bringingitssignaturecuisinecloserto thecity’sworkingandresidential population.

Locatedat263ClarenceStreet,thenew outletrepresentsthebrand’sthird restaurantinSydneyandtenthin Australia,reflectingthecountry’s importanceasoneofitsmostdynamic internationalmarkets.Foundedin Chennai,India,SaravanaaBhavan operatesinmorethan20countries

andover100outletsworldwide,andis widelyknownforitsconsistent approachtotraditionalSouthIndian vegetariancuisine.

TheSydneyCBDlocationbeganasoft launchon27April,initiallyoffering takeawayanddeliveryservicesthrough fooddeliveryplatformswhile preparationscontinueforfulldine-in operations.Aformalgrandopeningis expectedinthecomingweeks,withthe venuesettointroduceacomplete diningexperienceinspiredbythe culturalandarchitecturalheritageof TamilNadu.

Themenufeaturesawiderangeof SouthIndianstaplesincludingdosas, idlis,vadas,biryanis,thalis,chutneys, sweets,andfiltercoffee.Thebrand’s culinaryidentityisrootedinvegetarian

DesiAustralia

traditionsfromTamilNadu,withan emphasisonfreshness,consistency,and time-honouredrecipesthathavebeen replicatedacrossitsglobalnetwork.

SaravanaaBhavan’sexpansionintothe SydneyCBDreflectsabroadershiftin Australia’sfoodlandscape,where regionalIndiancuisineisincreasingly movingfromsuburbanenclavesinto mainstreamurbandiningprecincts.The openingalsohighlightsthegrowing demandforvegetarianandSouthIndian foodamongboththeIndiandiaspora andwiderAustralianaudiences.

Withestablishedoutletsacrossmajor citiesincludingSydney,Melbourne,and Brisbane,thebrandhassteadilybuilta loyalcustomerbaseinAustraliaover thepastdecade.TheClarenceStreet launchfurtherconsolidatesitspresence andsignalscontinuedgrowthinthe localmarket.

AspokespersonforSaravanaaBhavan Australianotedthatthesoftlaunch marksanimportantmilestoneforthe brand,withfulldine-inserviceand celebratoryopeningeventstobe announcedsoon.

AsSydney’sculinaryscenecontinuesto diversify,thearrivalofSaravanaa BhavanintheCBDunderscoresthe increasingvisibilityofSouthIndian cuisineinAustralia’smainstreamdining culture.

Canberra Hindi School Celebrates Two Decades of Honouring Hindi and Heritage

anberra’smulticultural Clandscapewasenrichedbya landmarkcelebrationasthe CanberraHindiSchoolmarkedits20th anniversaryon29March2026atthe ApolloRoom,HellenicClub,Woden. Themilestoneeventcommemorated twodecadesofdedicatedeffortsin promotingtheHindilanguage,Indian culture,andastrongsenseof communityamongCanberra’sdiverse population.

RajniGhai Malhotra

PhotosCredit:CanberraHindiSchool

EstablishedinFebruary2006atLyons PrimarySchool,theCanberraHindi Schoolhasgrownfromasmall initiativeintoathrivingculturalhub. Overtheyears,ithasnotonlytaught languagebutalsohelpedyounger generationsstayconnectedtotheir heritagewhilebuildingastrongsense ofbelonging.

Thecelebrationwasattendedbya distinguishedgroupofguests,including SenatortheHonMsKatyGallagher, ActingHighCommissionerofIndiaMs IrinaThakur,MrDavidSmithMP, ShadowMinisterforMulticultural AffairsMsChiakaBarryMLA,and AustralianNationalUniversitySenior LecturerDrChristopherDiamond, alongsiderespectedHindischolarsand communitysupporters.

PrincipalMrSantoshGuptaopenedthe eveningwithawarmwelcome,setting thetoneforalivelyandheartfelt program.Whatfollowedwasa colourfulshowcaseofperformancesby studentsandparentsalike.Fromelegant Kathakdancestoupbeatgroup performances,aswellasmelodicsongs anddevotionalbhajans,eachact broughtapieceofIndianculturetothe stage.Theaudiencerespondedwith enthusiasticapplause,andtherewasa genuinesenseofprideandjoyshared acrosstheroom.

Oneofthehighlightsoftheevening washearingfrompastandpresent students,whospokeabouttheir journeyswiththeschool.Theirstories reflectedhowtheinstitutionhasgrown overtheyearsandtheimportantroleit continuestoplayinshapingyoung mindsandstrengtheningculturalties.

Theeventalsopaid tributetotheteachers whosededicationand tirelesseffortshavebeen centraltotheschool’s success.Their contributionwas acknowledgedwith heartfeltappreciation fromthecommunity.

Skilfullycomperedby MrsAradhnaRastogi andMrAmitHedawoo, theeveningconcluded withavoteofthanks deliveredbyMrSushant Goel,bringingtoaclose acelebrationthatnot onlyhonouredthepast butalsolookedaheadto apromisingfuturefor

Photos Cr edit : C anberra Hindi School

NORTHERNTERRITORYWELCOMES FIRSTANNUALINDIANFILMFESTIVAL WITHMULTI-YEARSUPPORT FORNIFFA

InasignificantboosttoIndia–

Australiaculturalties,theNorthern TerritoryGovernmenthas welcomedthelaunchofthefirstannual IndianfilmfestivalinDarwinandAlice Springs,markinganewchapterforthe NationalIndianFilmFestivalof Australia.

DesiAustralia

WithsupportfromTourismandEvents NTandScreenTerritory,theinitiative establishesastrongandsustained presenceforIndiancinemainoneof Australia’smostdistinctiveregions.

AStrategicCultural Expansion

ThefestivalofficiallyopensinDarwin on30April2026,ledbyJinsonCharls,

beforetravellingtoAliceSpringsfora secondphasebeginningon11June.

Thisexpansionreflectsabroader strategytopositiontheNorthern Territorywithinthegrowing India–Australiascreenandcultural exchangelandscape,wherecinema,

tourismanddiasporaengagementare increasinglyinterconnected.

GovernmentBacking andVision

Welcomingthefestival,Marie-Clare BoothbydescribedNIFFAasaunique platformcelebratingconnection, communityandstorytelling.

Themulti-yearsupportsignalsthe TerritoryGovernment’scommitmentto strengtheningculturalengagement whilepromotinglocaltalentandstories onawiderstage.

BuildingBridgesThrough Cinema

FestivalDirectorAnupamSharma calledthepartnershipastrongvoteof confidenceinthefutureof India–Australiacollaboration.

HavingpreviouslyfilmedBollywood projectsintheNorthernTerritory, Sharmahighlightedthesignificanceof bringingIndiancinematoboththeTop EndandtheRedCentre–regions knownfortheirculturaldepthand globalappeal.

IconicVenuesand ExpandingFootprint

Thefestivalwillopenwitharedcarpet galaattheiconicDeckchairCinema, followedbyscreeningsattheMuseum andArtGalleryoftheNorthern Territory

SupportfromtheConsulateGeneralof IndiaandlocalIndiancommunity associationsfurtherstrengthensthe

initiative,ensuringstrongcommunity participationandengagement.

BeyondFilm:Community andIndustryEngagement

NIFFA’sNorthernTerritorychapterwill gobeyondfilmscreenings, incorporatingcelebrityappearances, influencerengagement,community forumsandworkshops.

Theseinitiativesaimtoexplore opportunitiesintourism,screen productionandculturalexchange,while deepeningpeople-to-peopleconnections betweenIndiaandAustralia.

AnNTCinemaCommitteewillalsobe establishedtoguidethefestival’sfuture growthandactivitiesintheregion.

ANewCulturalChapter fortheTerritory

DarwinandAliceSpringsofferaunique backdropwhereconversationsaround identity,cultureandbelongingare deeplyembeddedineverydaylife. BybringingIndiancinemaintothese landscapes,NIFFAishelpingposition theTerritoryasadynamicpartofthe evolvingIndia–Australiarelationship. Asengagementbetweenthetwo

nationscontinuestogrowacrosstrade, education,migrationandculture, NIFFA’sexpansionsignalsashift–whereIndianstorytellingisnolonger limitedtomajorcities,butembracedin someofAustralia’smosticonicand culturallyrichlocations.

TheNorthernTerritorychapterof NIFFAwillrunfrom30Aprilto14 June2026,withprogramdetails availableviatheofficialfestival website.

Sundown Market in Adelaide: Where Culture, Community and Creativity Came Alive Alive

AnshiAgarwal

There’ssomethingspecialabout

seeingacommunitycome togethernotjusttocelebrate culture,buttobuildsomethingoutof it

That’sexactlywhattheSundown Marketfeltlike.OrganisedbyThe BrownCollective,thiswasn’tjust anotherpop-upevent.Itwastheirfirst steptowardscreatingaspacewhere youngSouthAsiansinAdelaidecould express,connect,andredefinewhat “desi”looksliketoday

HeldatHarisCurryHouse,theevening carriedawarmththatwentbeyond foodandstalls.Itfeltpersonal.

Andabigpartofthatstorystartswith Nim.

Atjust24,Nimisworkingtorebuild whathisfamilyoncehad.Aftermoving toAustraliafromIndiafollowinga personaltragedy,heandhisparents openedasmalltakeawayshopin2015, whichquicklygrewintomultiple businesses.ButwhenCOVID-19hit, theylosttwoofthem.

Whiletheywerebuildingthatlife,Nim wasbuildinghisownpathin hospitality,startingasadishwasherat 15andworkinghiswayuptobar managerby19,evencontributingto thepre-openingofafive-starresort

Despitethat,hechosetostepaway andreturn.

Notbecauseitwaseasy,butbecause itmattered.

“Idon’tcomefromabusiness background,butmypassionfor hospitalityandmycommitmenttomy familyarewhatdrivemeeverydayto keepgoing.”

Thatsameintentioncarriedintothe SundownMarket

Thespacebroughttogetheramixof emergingandestablishedbrands, mostbuiltbystudentsandyoung adultsnavigatinglife,identity,and ambitionallatonce.Nameslike Satrangi,TashanWear,NaqashiSaaz, SparkJewelleryCollections,GlowUp Nails,andAnimaArtstoodalongside moreestablishedventureslikeCrafted byMathur,creatingaspacethatfelt bothaspirationalanddeeplyrelatable.

PhotoCredit:FahimBinHaqu

PhotoCredit: Supplied

Eachstallheldmorethanjust products.Itheldastory.

Parneet,founderofNaqashiSaaz,is buildingsomethingthatconnects generationsandgeographies.

“I’ma23-year-oldinternational studentbuildinga mother–daughterlabelrootedinmy mum’sboutiqueinAmritsar. Growinguparoundartisanstaught methatfashionisnotjustclothing, it’stime,detail,andidentitycarried througheverypiece.”

Ididn’tgrowupthinkingI’dstart somethingofmyown.Iwasjustliving, observing,pickingupsmallthings withoutrealisinghowdeeplythey wouldstaywithme.Myparentsplay oldBollywoodsongsinthe background,turningordinaryevenings intosomethingfulloflife.Dancingin thelivingroomlikenothingelse mattered.Mynanicasuallydropped dialoguesintoconversationslikethey werelessonshiddeninhumour.

Atthetime,thosemomentsdidn’tfeel significant.NowIrealisetheyshaped everything.

AlotofwhoIamcomesfromthose quietdetails.

I’vealwaysexpressedmyselfinsubtle ways.Ajhumkawithjeans.Bangles withsomethingsimple.Adupatta thrownoveranoutfitjusttomakeit feellikeme.It’sneverbeenabout dressingup;it’saboutfeeling connected.Carryingfamiliaritywith me,evenwheneverythingaroundme feelsunfamiliar.

Thatfeelingonlygrewstrongerafter movingtoAustralia.

Startingoverherewasn’tjustexciting; itwasuncomfortable.Newsystems, newpeople,newexpectations.Ihad togrowupquickly.Balancingstudies, multiplejobs,longshifts,anddays

Reet,founderofSparkJewellery Collections,isquietlyrewritingthe narrativeshegrewuphearing.

“Igrewupbeingtoldgirlsdon’tdo business,butthatstayedwithme. Now,whilebalancingstudiesand survivalinanewcountry,I’mbuilding somethingofmyownandproving thatwrong.”

Andthen,somewherewithinallof this,ismystorytoo.

MynameisAnshi,andI’man internationalstudentinAustralia, tryingtobuildalifefromscratch whilestillholdingontopiecesof whereIcomefrom.

thatfeltexhaustinganduncertain. ThereweremomentswhenI questionedeverything.

Butthosemomentsalsochangedme.

Somewhereinthemiddleofthat, Satrangihappened.

Notasabigidea,butassomethingI needed.Aspacetocreate,to reconnect,toholdontopartsofmyself thatfeltlikehome.Overtime,it becamemorethanthat.Itbecamean extensionofme.

EverypieceIcreate,whetherit’scaps, parandas,orbangles,carries somethingpersonal.Memories,music, everydayculture,thefeelingofbeing betweentwoworlds.It’sabout blendingwhereIcomefromwith whereIamnow,creatingsomething thatfeelsbothfamiliarandnew.

I’mstillfiguringthingsout.Idon’thave everythingplanned,andIdon’talways knowifI’montherightpath.

Butthere’ssomethingpowerfulabout buildingsomethingofyourown.About creatingmeaninginthemiddleof uncertainty.

Fabiya,thecreatorbehindAnima Art,turnedherpersonaljourney intosomethingtangibleanddeeply expressive.

“I’vealwayscreated,butmovingto Australiapushedmetorebuild myself.AnimaArtstartedasa smalloutlet,butthroughlate nightsanduncertainty,itbecame somethingreal,somethingpeople couldconnectwith.”

It’smessy,uncomfortable,and unpredictable.

Butit’salsodeeplyrewarding.

Andthat’swhatSatrangirepresentsto me.Notjustabrand,butajourney.Of identity,ofgrowth,ofholdingonto culturewhilebecomingsomeonenew

BecauseIknowI’mnottheonlyone whofeelsthisway.

Therearesomanyofustryingto balancetwoworlds.Tryingtostay connectedtowherewecomefrom whilebuildingalifesomewhereelse.

Andthat’sexactlywhattheSundown Marketcaptured.

Itwasn’tjustaboutstallsorsales.It wasaboutpeopleshowingupwith piecesofthemselves.Aboutculture beinglived,notjustcelebrated occasionally,butexpressedinreal, everydayways.

Formanyofus,especiallyas internationalstudents,spaceslikethis mattermorethanwerealise.

Theyremindusthatwe’renotalonein figuringthingsout

TheSundownMarketmayhavebeen thefirstforTheBrownCollective,but italreadyfeelslikethebeginningof somethingmuchbigger

Andhonestly,Adelaideneedsmore spaceslikethis.

PhotoCredit:Supplied

PhotoCredit:Supplied

PhotoCredit:Supplied

Adelaide’s Quiet Shift into a South Asian Cultural Hub: A festival city that is changing shape

AnshiAgarwal

Adelaidehasalwayscalleditself

theFestivalCity.Foryearsthat meanttheFringe,theAdelaide Festival,andasteadycalendarofarts eventsthatdefineditsidentity.But somethingisshiftingunderneaththat familiarlabel.Thecityisnowseeinga clearriseinSouthAsianfestivals, concerts,andculturalnightsthatare nolongeroccasionalorexperimental. Theyarebecomingpartofthemain calendar.

Adelaidehasalwayscalleditselfthe FestivalCity.Foryearsthatmeantthe Fringe,theAdelaideFestival,anda steadycalendarofartseventsthat defineditsidentity.Butsomethingis shiftingunderneaththatfamiliarlabel. Thecityisnowseeingaclearrisein SouthAsianfestivals,concerts,and culturalnightsthatarenolonger

occasionalorexperimental.Theyare becomingpartofthemaincalendar

Thisisnotasuddenchange.Itisaslow builddrivenbypeople,demand,and timing.

Thefoundationwas alreadythere

Adelaidedidnotneedtobecomea festivalcity.Italreadywasone.The infrastructure,audiencehabits,and institutionalsupporthavebeenin placefordecades.

TheAdelaideFestivalhasbeen runningsince1960.TheAdelaide Fringehasgrownintooneofthe biggestopen-accessfestivalsinthe world.Together,theycreatedaculture wherelarge-scaleeventsarenormal andexpected.

Thatmattersbecauseitmeansnew culturalprogrammingdoesnothaveto fightforspaceinthesamewayit mightinothercities.Itcanplugintoan alreadyexistingsystem.

WhySouthAsianevents aregrowingnow

TheriseofSouthAsianeventsin Adelaideiscloselylinkedtopopulation change.Thereisagrowingcommunity ofstudentsandyoungprofessionals fromIndia,Bangladesh,Nepal,Sri Lanka,andsurroundingregions.They arenotjustpresentinthecity.They areactivelyshapingdemand.

Wherethereisdemand, eventsfollow.

Thisiswhyyounowseemore Bollywoodnights,Punjabimusic concerts,fusionculturalfestivals,and themedclubevents.Thesearenot randomadditions.Theyareresponses toarealandgrowingaudience.

Festivalsarebecoming moreglobal

Atthesametime,Adelaide’smajor festivalsarealsochanging.Theyare becomingmoreopentonon-Western

programmingaspartofawiderpush tostayrelevantandinternational.

TheOzAsiaFestivalisastrong example.IthashelpednormaliseAsian artsinmainstreamspacesand regularlybringsinlargeaudiences. Onceaudiencesgetusedtothatlevel ofdiversity,itbecomeseasierformore specificculturalexpressions,like SouthAsianevents,togrow alongsideit

Thisishowculturalecosystemsshift. Itdoesnothappenallatonce.Itbuilds layerbylayer.

Governmentandindustry arepayingattention

Thereisalsoastrategicsidetothis growth.SouthAustraliahasbeen activelypositioningAdelaideasa globaleventsdestination.Thatmeans attractinginternationalconferences, tourism,andculturalprogramming thatsupportstheeconomy

SouthAsianeventsfitintothat directionnaturally.Theybring audiences,fillvenues,andcreate visibleculturalactivitythatsupports Adelaide’sbrandingasamulticultural city

Promotersandorganisersarenoticing thistoo.Ifeventssellwell,theyreturn. Iftheygrow,theyscale.

Acitythatfeelssmall butconnected

OneofAdelaide’sbiggestadvantages isitssize.Unlikelargercitieswhere audiencesarespreadout,Adelaideis concentrated.Thatmakescultural eventsfeelmoreintenseandmore communitydriven.

WhySouthAsianevents aregrowingnow

TheriseofSouthAsianeventsin Adelaideiscloselylinkedtopopulation change.Thereisagrowingcommunity ofstudentsandyoungprofessionals fromIndia,Bangladesh,Nepal,Sri Lanka,andsurroundingregions.They arenotjustpresentinthecity.They areactivelyshapingdemand.

Wherethereisdemand, eventsfollow.

Thisiswhyyounowseemore Bollywoodnights,Punjabimusic concerts,fusionculturalfestivals,and themedclubevents.Thesearenot randomadditions.Theyareresponses toarealandgrowingaudience.

Festivalsarebecoming moreglobal

Atthesametime,Adelaide’smajor festivalsarealsochanging.Theyare becomingmoreopentonon-Western programmingaspartofawiderpush tostayrelevantandinternational.

TheOzAsiaFestivalisastrong example.IthashelpednormaliseAsian artsinmainstreamspacesand regularlybringsinlargeaudiences. Onceaudiencesgetusedtothatlevel ofdiversity,itbecomeseasierformore specificculturalexpressions,like SouthAsianevents,togrow alongsideit

Thisishowculturalecosystemsshift. Itdoesnothappenallatonce.Itbuilds layerbylayer.

Governmentandindustry arepayingattention

Thereisalsoastrategicsidetothis growth.SouthAustraliahasbeen activelypositioningAdelaideasa globaleventsdestination.Thatmeans attractinginternationalconferences, tourism,andculturalprogramming thatsupportstheeconomy.

SouthAsianeventsfitintothat directionnaturally.Theybring audiences,fillvenues,andcreate visibleculturalactivitythatsupports Adelaide’sbrandingasamulticultural city.

Promotersandorganisersarenoticing thistoo.Ifeventssellwell,theyreturn. Iftheygrow,theyscale.

Acitythatfeelssmall butconnected

OneofAdelaide’sbiggestadvantages isitssize.Unlikelargercitieswhere audiencesarespreadout,Adelaideis concentrated.Thatmakescultural eventsfeelmoreintenseandmore communitydriven.

Asold-outSouthAsianconcerthere doesnotjuststayinonecircle.It spreadsquicklythroughstudent networks,socialmedia,andwordof mouth.Thatcreatesmomentumfaster thaninbiggercities.

Italsomeansorganisersgetclearer feedback.Ifsomethingworksin Adelaide,itreallyworks.

Morethanjustmusic andfestivals

Thisgrowthisnotlimitedtoconcerts. SouthAsiancultureinAdelaideis expandingacrossfoodfestivals,dance showcases,studentevents,andhybrid creativespaces.

Youalsoseemorecrossoverevents whereSouthAsiancultureisnot isolatedbutblendedintowider multiculturalprogramming.Thatshift isimportantbecauseitmovesthe culturefromnichetonormalised.

Itisnolongerjust“acommunity event”.Itisbecomingpartofthecity’s culturalmix.

Whatisstillmissing

Evenwiththisgrowth,theecosystem isstilldeveloping.Someeventsare strongandconsistent,whileothers strugglewithvisibilityortiming.There isnotyetafullystableyear-round structureforSouthAsian programmingatscale.

Butthatisexpectedatthisstage. Mostculturalmovementsstartlike this,unevenbutgrowing.

Thedemandisclearlythere.The structureisstillcatchingup.

WhereAdelaideisheading

AdelaideisnotbecomingaSouth Asiancity.Thatisnotthepoint.Whatis happeningismoresubtleandmore interesting.

Thecityisexpandingitsdefinitionof whatafestivalcitylookslike.

SouthAsianeventsarenowpartof thatevolution.Theyarenotseparate fromAdelaide’sidentity.Theyare becomingpartofit.

Thequestionisnolongerwhether theseeventsbelonghere.Itishowbig theywillbecomenext

IndiaCreatesHistory withGuinnessWorldRecordfor LargestUnderwaterNationalFlag

IDesiAustralia

ndiahasetcheditsnameinthe recordbookswitharemarkable displayofpatriotismand innovation,astheAndamanand NicobarIslandssetanewGuinness WorldRecordstitleforthelargest underwaternationalflag.

Thehistoricachievementtookplace atRadhanagarBeach(Havelock Island),whereamassiveIndian tricolourmeasuringapproximately 60metresby40metreswas unfurledbeneaththeseaina carefullycoordinatedoperation.

AComplexand CoordinatedEffort

Theunderwaterfeatinvolvedmore than200traineddivers,including personnelfrommultipleagencies suchasmarinepolice,forest departments,andprofessional divingteams.

Executingsuchalarge-scale underwaterdisplayrequired precision,teamwork,andstrict adherencetointernationalsafety standards.Theeventwasofficially verifiedbyaGuinnessadjudicator, confirmingitasaworldrecord.

Seniorofficials,includingLieutenant GovernorDevendraKumarJoshi,were presentduringtheachievement, highlightingthesignificanceofthe occasionatbothadministrativeand nationallevels.

ShowcasingIndia’s MarineExcellence

Beyondthesymbolicvalueofthe tricolour,theinitiativewasdesignedto spotlighttheregion’srichmarine biodiversityandstrengthenitsglobal reputationasapremierdestinationfor scubadivingandeco-tourism.

Thecrystal-clearwatersandvibrant underwaterecosystemsoftheislands providedtheperfectbackdropforthis record-settingmoment,reinforcing

theirgrowingappealamong adventureseekersandinternational travellers.

BoostingTourismand GlobalVisibility

Officialsemphasisedthatthe recordattemptispartofabroader strategytopositiontheAndaman andNicobarIslandsontheglobal tourismmap.Bycombiningnational pridewithadventuretourism,the initiativeaimstoattractdivers, explorers,andeco-conscious travellersfromaroundtheworld.

TheeventalsoreflectsIndia’s increasingfocusoninnovativeways topromoteitsnaturalassetswhile encouragingsustainabletourism practices.

AMomentofPride BeneaththeWaves

Theunderwaterunfurlingofthe nationalflagwasnotjusta technicalachievement–itwasan emotionalandsymbolicmomentfor participants.Holdingthetricolour beneaththeoceanservedasa powerfulreminderofnationalunity, courage,andpride.

Withthismilestone,Indiahasonce againdemonstrateditsabilityto blendcreativity,teamwork,and nationalspiritonaglobalstage–thistime,beneaththewavesofone ofitsmostbreathtakingisland destinations.

SouthAsianCinemaTakesa StrongSpotlightatSydney FilmFestival2026

The73rdeditionoftheSydney

FilmFestival2026,runningfrom 3to14JuneinSydney,issetto spotlightastronganddiverserangeof SouthAsianstories,filmmakersand themesacrossits2026program.

Thisyear’slineuphighlightshowSouth Asiancinemacontinuestogrowin globalvisibility,withfilmsspanning India,Pakistan,Bangladesh, AfghanistanandtheRohingyarefugee experience.Together,theyreflectboth regionalstorytellinganddiaspora perspectivesthatcontinuetoresonate stronglywithAustralianaudiences.

Whilethe2026selectionisparticularly notable,SouthAsiancinemahaslong maintainedaconsistentpresenceatthe SydneyFilmFestival.Overtheyears, filmsfromtheregionhavefeatured acrosscompetitionsections, documentarystrandsandcurated

programs,reflectingthefestival’s ongoingengagementwithSouthAsian storytelling.The2026editioncontinues thistraditionwhilereinforcingthe region’sgrowinginfluenceon internationalcinema.

DesiAustralia

SouthAsianstorytelling acrossgenresandborders

AmongthestandoutSouthAsianrelatedfilmsisDon’tTellMother,the debutfeaturefromfilmmakerAnoop Lokkur,setin1990sBangalore.The filmaddstoagrowingwaveof contemporaryIndianindependent cinemaexploringidentity,family dynamicsandsocialchange.

FromBangladesh,MasterbyRezwan ShahriarSumitpresentsapolitically

chargednarrativerootedingovernance andcivictension,continuingthe country’sriseininternationally recognisedrealistfilmmaking.

Aparticularlysignificantinclusionis LostLand,thefirst-everfeaturefilmin theRohingyalanguage.Itspresence marksanimportantmilestoneforoneof theworld’smostunderrepresented displacedcommunities,bringingrare visibilitytoRohingyastoriesona globalstage.

Afghanistanisalsorepresentedthrough NoGoodMenbyShahrbanooSadat,a politicalromanticcomedythat

showcasesthecountry’sincreasingly boldandgenre-diversecinematicvoice despiteongoingchallengesfor filmmakers.

ThefestivalalsofeaturesHangingbya Wire,adocumentarysetinremote Pakistan,highlightingahigh-stakes cablecarrescueoperationandthe humanresiliencebehindreal-lifecrisis events.

Diaspora,displacement andglobalidentity

SeveralSouthAsian-relatedworks exploremigration,exileand displacementacrossborders.

TheCycleofLovefollowsaDelhi streetartistundertakingalong-distance cyclingjourneyfromIndiatoSweden, blendingphysicalendurancewith questionsofpurpose,identityand belonging.

PastFutureContinuousaddstothis broaderregionalnarrativeofexileand memory,reflectinglivedexperiencesof

displacementthatconnectstronglywith SouthAsiandiasporacommunitiesin Australiaandbeyond.

ThedocumentaryKnife:TheAttempted MurderofSalmanRushdieexamines thelifeandrecoveryofSalman Rushdiefollowingthe2022stabbing attack,revisitinglong-standingthemes offreedomofexpression,identityand culturalhistorythathavedefinedhis work.

Acrossthesefilms,migrationand displacementemergenotonlyas personaljourneysbutasshared regionalexperiencesthatcontinueto shapeSouthAsianstorytelling globally

CulturallegacyandSouth Asianinfluence

TheprogramalsoincludesElSett,a cinematictributetolegendaryEgyptian singerUmmKulthum,accompaniedby alivemusiccelebrationatthefestival. Thefilmreflectsbroadercultural intersectionsbetweenSouthAsianand MiddleEasternmusicaltraditionsthat havehistoricallyinfluencedaudiences acrosstheregion.

WhilenotSouthAsianinorigin,such workssitalongsidethebroader program’sengagementwithcultural memory,artisticlegacyandcrossregionalinfluencethatresonateswith SouthAsianaudiences.

Agrowingplatformfor SouthAsiancinemain Australia

TheinclusionofmultipleSouthAsian storiesatthisyear’sfestivalreflectsa broadershiftinAustralianscreen culture,whereinternationalfestivalsare increasinglyamplifyingvoicesfromthe subcontinentanditsdiaspora.

FromruralPakistantourbanBangalore, fromAfghanpoliticalsatireto Rohingya-languagestorytelling,the 2026programdemonstrateshowSouth Asiancinemaisnolongerconfinedto regionalboundariesbutisactively shapingglobalfilmconversations.

ForAustralianaudiences,particularly thegrowingSouthAsiandiaspora,the festivaloffersnotonlyrepresentation onscreenbutalsoadeeperconnection tostoriesofmigration,identity, resilienceandculturalmemory

Asthefestivalcontinuestoevolve, SouthAsiancinemaisclearlybecoming anessentialpartofitsglobal storytellinglandscape,reinforcingboth itshistoricalpresenceatthefestivaland itsexpandingrolewithininternational cinemaasawhole.

ASacredDebut:DiscipleofGuru Smt.KananShah,DhwitiJoshiPresents HerArangetram

On26April2026

,thestageat BryanBrowntheatre, transformedintoasacredspace asDiscipleofGuruSmt.KananShah anddaughterofHiralandTrushar, DhwitiJoshi,presentedherArangetram, adefiningmilestoneinherjourneyin thetimelessclassicaldancetraditionof Bharatanatyam.

AnArangetram,meaning“ascending thestage,”isfarmorethanadebut performance.Itistheculminationof yearsofunwaveringdiscipline,early morningpractices,repetitionofadavus

untilperfection,surrendertorhythm, anddeepimmersioninabhinaya.

Underthemeticulousandnurturing guidanceofGuruSmt.KananShah, Dhwitihasblossomedintoadancerof graceandstrength.Hertraininghas beenrootedintradition,precision,and bhava,honouringthelineagewhile findingherownvoicewithinit.The Arangetrammargamunfoldedwith poiseandcommand,eachpiece reflectingbothtechnicalfinesseand heartfeltexpression.

Fromtheintricategeometryofher footworktotheemotivestorytellingin herabhinaya,Dhwitidemonstrated remarkablestagepresenceand composurebeyondheryears.The audiencewitnessednotjustadancer, butanartiststeppingintoherownlight.

Thestagewassupportedbyatalented teamofmusicians:ShriRuchaLange, ShriMaharshiRaval,ShriSatvikDesai, ShriSabinGhising,andMsSarjna

RekhaRajvanshi

Shah,withRanjithprovidingPA support.TheemceesincludedMeshaPrishaandAnisha-Srishti,andthelight andspecialeffectsproductionwas managedbyMonica.Decorationsby AnitaandRiddhiandhairandmakeup byRatnasupportedbyVandanaand Zalak.Theentireeventwascapturedon videoandphotosbyVenkateshBabu.

Theeventwasgracedbythepresence ofHon.DonnaDavis,SmtRekha Rajvanshi,ShriJaykarUpadhyayand ShriDhavalAminaswellasmany communityleadersandsupporters, familyofDhwitiwhoflewinfrom

overseas,friends,andwellwisherswhopraised Dhwitiforherdedication andartistry.Inheraddress, GuruKananShah expressedprideinDhwiti’s journeyand accomplishments.

ThisyoungAussie-Indian girlexpressedheartfelt gratitudetotheirguru, family,andfriendsfor theirunwaveringsupport andencouragement throughouttheirdance journey

Thesuccessfulcompletion oftheArangetramsignifies notjustapersonal achievementforDhwiti butalsocontributestothe ongoingcelebrationand preservationof Bharatnatyam.

WewishDhwitiandher guruabigcongratulations andbestwishestotakethis artfurthertobroader audiences.