A free spiritual and cultural event is coming to Geelong to welcome the New Year and foster community connections.
Volunteer-driven fellowship BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Geelong will hold Diwali (Hindu festival of lights) and Annakut (meaning mountain of food) Celebrations at Norlane ARC on November 10.
The event will go from 4pm to 6pm and feature a traditional Indian dinner and devotees singing Thaal, which are songs of devotion to God, asking him to partake in the offering.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha’s Chandrakant Bhatt said a highlight of the event was the Annakut display, known as the offering of food to Hindu gods and goddesses in front of an altar.
“On the New Year Day, in India it’s a new crop season, and we prepare thousands of vegetarian dishes to offer it to God saying thank you,” he said.
“This is what we’ve been doing in Geelong, and once Annakut is finished, we distribute the dishes to ambulance, healthcare and fire brigade emergency workers.
“Last year’s Diwali and Annakut celebration was a resounding success, drawing participants from across the community for a day of cultural performances and traditional rituals.
“On the day of Annakut, whenever we have celebrated in Geelong, we always had broader community joining us in huge numbers. It’s no longer just an Indian celebration.”
Mr Bhatt said Diwali and Annakut Celebrations had been celebrated in Geelong for close to 15 years and welcomed everyone to come along to join in on the event.
Diwali and Annakut celebrations signify the victory of good over evil in Hindu culture and bring families together to celebrate the new year in traditional attire.
Visit baps.org for more information about BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its activities.
