GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN
GOPIO Canberra, in collaboration with the Multicultural Association of Canberra, celebrated Lohri, the festival of Harvest
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ohri is primarily a North Indian function and fosters new beginnings and hope. Tradition has it that People forgive their enemies and pray for a happy, healthy, and prosperous life. On this day, people sing, dance, and light a bonfire to farewell the winter months (in India) and thank nature for a bountiful harvest.
The South Indians celebrate the harvest festival as Pongal, where they cook sweet rice made with jaggery from the new harvest to signify new beginnings for a new year. Happy Lohri and Happy Pongal to all those who are celebrating. GOPIO Canberra thanked Minister Rebecca Vassaroti from Greens Shadow multicultural MLA Peter Cain, Member of
Brindabella MLA Nicole Lawder and MLA Elizabeth Kikkert for gracing the Occasion. They thanked all community leaders and members for joining the full house event and helping GOPIO Canberra promote multiculturalism, as there were not only people of Indian origin but also leaders from various communities.
L to R Mr Fuxin Li president of FECCA school, Nishi Puri OAM, Ravi Krish, president of AMAN, MLA shadow multicultural minister Peter Cain, Shafiqua Ahmedi, Afghan community leader, Radha Ravi
Nishi Puri OAM, President of Gopio Canberra chapter and Multicultural Association of Canberra giving a welcoming speech at the Lohri festival
R to Left MLA Elizabeth Kikkert, MLA Nicole Lawder,Minister Rebecca Vassaroti, MLA Peter Cain enjoying a delicious Indian lunch at Taj Agra with the community
L to R MLA Elizabeth Kikkert, Minister Rebecca Vassaroti MLA Peter Cain dancing with the Indian community to celebrate Lohri JANUARY 2024 | 5
