What’s on

film-maker Mark Gould is searching for Hindu Australians who intend to go to the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela at Allahabad (Prayag) in Feb 2013.

ABC TV’s religious program Compass (6.30pm Sundays) is keen to tell the story of this sacred journey and what it means to the devotees.

The subjects of the film would need to be prepared to share their stories, their bhakti and relationship to their faith on camera in a documentary focussed on this special pilgrimagewhy they are making it and what they hope to gain from this great event.

The ideal subjects would be devout Australian Hindus - individuals or a family who are articulate about their faith and keen to reconnect with their Hindu traditions. Details Mark Gould 0419 635 614 or email mark@ BondiRocksMedia.tv

FUNDRAISER Opportunity International’s Food for Thought

Food for Thought: “Eat. Drink. Be Generous” invites Australians to host a meal for friends and family in October to raise funds and awareness for impoverished communities in honour of International Day for Eradication of Poverty on Oct 17. To register your event, please go to www. foodforthoughtevent.org.au

Diwali with a twist

Fri 5 Oct Mona Singh (Mrs India Australia 2011), Poonam Chandiramani and Ranju Chaddha present a festive Diwali night. Join in for a night of extraordinary entertainment, sumptuous dinner and … a surprise element that will not be revealed until the night! Venue Urban Tadka, 321 Mona Vale Rd, Terrey Hills. $50 per head. Details Mona 0438 079 781.

Baltarang 2012

Sun 7 Oct Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Australia is organizing a fund raising event Baltarang 2012 at Bowman Hall, Blacktown, Sydney. It is going to be a fun-filled evening of dances, dramas and songs performed by young local artists, and choreographed by top Sydney dance schools and choreographers. All proceeds of the function will go towards educating poor children in rural and tribal parts of India. All donations are hence fully tax deductible. Details Devendra Gupta 0411 597949 or visit the website www.ekal.org.au

Kavyam: A Bharatanatyam ballet

Sat 13 Oct Hamsa Venkat of Samskriti School of Dance presents Kavyam: Poetry in Motion, a Bharatanatyam ballet at the Science Theatre, University of NSW, Kensington, 6.00pm-9.00pm.

Depicting the poetry of India since 300BC, in a unique concept through Bharatanatyam, the concert is in aid of charity AIM for SEVA. Proceeds go to educate tribal kids in rural India.

Details Murali 0414 892 361.

I-India Project’s Diwali Night Sat 10 Nov I-India Project is organising a wonderful night of themed entertainment including Bollywood singing and dancing, magic and comedy. Grand Ballroom, Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George St, Sydney, 6.30pm. Details Renate Barnett 0402 958 582.

Cancer Council NSW’s Blacktown Relay For Life

27 - 28 Oct Relay For Life is an event for survivors of cancer, for their carers, for those of us who have lost a loved one to cancer, and for people who just want to make a difference. It is a special community event at Blacktown International Sports Park, Eastern Rd Rooty Hill, where people come together to fundraise and walk in hope that one day cancer will be defeated. Fun activities for kids, fundraising stalls, health stalls and jumping castles, live entertainment featuring Celtic Highlanders and fireworks.

Details Nathan Dart 02 9354 2004 or email nathand@nswcc.org.au

FESTIVAL

Sydney Jain Mandal’s Dandia Night

Sat 13 Oct Come and enjoy a family fun event at Campbell Park Scout Hall, Wilga St, Off Victoria Rd West Pennant Hills, NSW 2125. 6.00pm-11.00pm. Raffle tickets, best dressed prize for male and female, lots of food and much more Details Abha Jain 0432 248 791.

Navratri

Sat 20 Oct Navratri Cultural Group presents Raas Garba at Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre 62 Cabramatta Road, Miller (Near Liverpool) NSW 2168. 6.30pm – 11.00pm. Details Nimesh Shah 0437 980 296.

Deepavali Milan

Sat 10 Nov Celebrate Diwali with friends on the North Shore: Laxmi Poojan, cultural program, lucky draw prizes, dinner. Town Hall, 1186 Pacific Highway, Pymble NSW, 6.00pm. Details Kamini Sahni 0401 059 923.