Radio Brisvaani
Around 700 people gather to celebrate Indian heritage, with 96 performers showcasing Telugu culture and traditions
Logan, Queensland: The Andhra Association of Queensland (AAQ) successfully hosted its grand Dasara and Diwali Celebrations 2026 on Sunday, 11 October, at the Logan West Community Centre in Hillcrest, bringing together approximately 900 people for a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, traditions and community unity.
The event welcomed special guests Logan City Mayor Jon Raven and Councillor Tim Frazer, alongside leaders from numerous community organisations, business representatives, community leaders, families and members of the wider Indian-Australian community.
The celebration highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh and the significance of Dasara and Diwali, two of India’s most cherished festivals, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness, and the importance of hope, prosperity and unity.
A vibrant showcase of Telugu culture
The venue was filled with colour, music and festive spirit as families gathered to enjoy more than 14 cultural performances featuring 96 performers, including children and young people who proudly showcased their talents through traditional dance, music and cultural presentations.
The performances provided a valuable opportunity for younger generations to connect with their cultural roots while sharing Telugu traditions and Andhra Pradesh’s rich heritage with the wider Queensland community.
AAQ Spiritual Coordinator Sudha Shanker played an important role in bringing India’s rich mythological stories and spiritual heritage to life. Through the cultural presentations, the significance of traditional stories, values and festivals was shared with the audience, helping younger generations understand and appreciate the meaning behind these celebrations.
Cultural Coordinators JanakiRam Manava and Vidya Bhavani Mallela contributed significantly to the success of the event by coordinating engaging cultural programmes and helping create an exciting and welcoming atmosphere. Their efforts kept the audience engaged while providing performers with a platform to celebrate and share their cultural identity.
The event also featured festive decorations, food and opportunities for families, community organisations and local businesses to connect, strengthening relationships across Logan’s diverse community.
Logan City leaders join the celebration
The attendance of Logan City Mayor Jon Raven and Councillor Tim Frazer added to the significance of the occasion, highlighting the role of multicultural festivals in bringing people together and strengthening community connections.
Their presence was warmly welcomed by AAQ representatives and attendees. Leaders from various community organisations also participated, reflecting the spirit of collaboration, friendship and mutual respect among Queensland’s multicultural communities.
The gathering provided an opportunity for community members, local leaders and business representatives to connect while celebrating the cultural diversity that contributes to Logan’s identity.
AAQ’s commitment to culture and community service
The Andhra Association of Queensland is dedicated to promoting Telugu language, preserving Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage and supporting the wellbeing of the wider community.
Beyond cultural festivals, AAQ supports community engagement, health and wellbeing initiatives, free yoga programmes, food and blood donation activities, business networking and social service initiatives.
Through these programmes, the association aims to preserve traditions for future generations while fostering inclusion, friendship and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds.
The 2026 Dasara and Diwali celebration marked another important milestone in AAQ’s ongoing efforts to bring families together, encourage young people to embrace their heritage and build stronger relationships between community organisations, businesses and local leaders.
AAQ president thanks community and volunteers
AAQ President Ram Junnuri expressed his sincere gratitude to Mayor Jon Raven, Councillor Tim Frazer, community organisation leaders, sponsors, volunteers, performers and all attendees who contributed to the event’s success.
He acknowledged the dedication of the organising team and the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes to deliver a memorable celebration for approximately 900 attendees.
Special appreciation was extended to the spiritual and cultural coordinators for their commitment to preserving traditions, engaging the audience and ensuring that the significance of Dasara and Diwali was meaningfully presented to the community.
The success of the celebration demonstrated what can be achieved when community members come together with a shared vision and a willingness to contribute their time, skills and energy.
“One Dream, Many Helping Hands” continues to reflect AAQ’s approach to community building, cultural preservation and service.
As the association looks ahead to future initiatives, it remains committed to celebrating cultural diversity, supporting community wellbeing and creating opportunities for future generations to embrace their heritage while contributing positively to Queensland’s multicultural society.
Andhra Association of Queensland (AAQ) Together for a Better Future
