GOPIO Canberra, in collaboration with the Multicultural Association of Canberra, celebrated Lohri, the festival of Harvest

Lohri 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

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.