The more we play together

The Happier

Multicultural festival presents mind boggling variety

The cultural fusion event was organised by Festival Director Nawal Moudgil under the aegis of SKGA Inc. (Sangam Kala Group Australia) in association with VMC Victorian Multicultural Commission, City of Monash and State Government of Victoria.

“With 150 plus teams of performers, volunteers presenting 12 plus cultures and over 1000 people attending from all, ages, backgrounds and abilities, Victorians were invited to retain and express their social identity and cultural inheritance, through these family-related community and cultural engagements,” said Moudgil.

“During this season, our teams collaborated and celebrated cultural diversity and Holi festivities with many other clubs, groups, schools and other associations,” he continued. “This included popular music, dances, dramas, instrumentals, folk, Bollywood, spiritual and classical presentations representing diverse regions, religions and cultures within Victoria.”

The atmosphere was dynamic as hundreds of participants geared up to give their best on stage. The bulk of the afternoon was taken up with an eclectic mix of cross-cultural entertainment. Music and dance performances dominated the agenda with Taekwondo demonstrations and Bollywood workshops also on offer for the movers and shakers.

There were regulars from pervious events but many were performing in this event for the first time. For young amateur singers like Ria and her proud parents Bubby and Jatinder Kumar it was an opportunity to showcase her talent to a large audience providing the much-needed encouragement for her talent to flourish.

“This is the whole idea,” said Moudgil enthusiastically. “We want this to be an inclusive event that is open to all and over the years the demand and participation has increased considerably. I have received good feedback for this year’s event but there is always room for improvement. With the support of the community and the backing of multicultural services, local councils and the Victorian Government, we intend to keep going from strength to strength.”

Simmi Singh