Radio Brisvaani
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Brisbane – MEDIA RELEASE – 2018 QLD Parliament Diwali & Annakut Celebrations
On 30 th October 2018, between 7.30 pm to 8:30 pm Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Local Government,
Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs along with BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Brisbane
hosted the celebration of the auspicious Hindu festival of Diwali and Annakut in Queensland Parliament House.
Diwali, commonly known as the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the sentiments of light over darkness,
knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. It is a time during which Hindu’s from around the world light
traditional lamps and pray for peace, prosperity and ask the Lord to dispel ignorance and bring spiritual
enlightenment.
Annakut, the following day after Diwali, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. On this day, the Annakut, or
‘mountain of food,’ is offered to the Lord as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude. Devotees lovingly prepare
vegetarian delicacies and offer them to the lord while singing devotional songs.
Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe, Hon Mick de Brenni, Minister for Housing and Public Works; Minister for Digital
Technology; Minister for Sport, Hon Curtis Pitt, Speaker of the House, Mrs Deborah Frecklington (Leader of
Opposition) , Mrs Archana Sing, honorary Consul of India – Brisbane , Mr Steve Biddle, Regional Director
Queensland, Department of Home Affairs, Mr Brett Schafferius, Assistant Commissioner police (representing Mr
Ian Stewart Commissioner of Police Queensland) , Mr Jim Varghese, National Chair for Australia Indian Business
Council , Mr Maha Sinnathamby, Chairman Springfield City Group and Mr Ram Mohan , FICQ President were the
chief guests apart from other Indian community leaders.
The function begins with the recitation of the Shanti Paath to usher in peace into everyone’s hearts and minds
followed by Thaal (Offering food to God) and Aarti.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Hon Hon Curtis Pitt, Speaker of the House , Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister
for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Mrs Deborah Frecklington, Leader
of Opposition, Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consulate of India, Brisbane and Mr Maha Sinnathamby, Chairman
Springfield City Group.
Hon. Curtis Pitt, Hon Stirling Hinchliffe and Mrs Deborah Frecklington all acknowledged the significant
contributions made by the Indian community to Australia. They reflected on the values of Hinduism, and Diwali,
and were proud to see them being displayed through BAPS in Queensland Parliament. Both parliamentarians
noted the significance of the Indian diaspora to the Queensland state and appreciated the hard working and
entrepreneurial nature of the Indian community.
Mrs Archana Singh reinforced the one of the key messages of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj of Unity, and
that unity was one of the key values that leaders of all the Indian communities should guard as sacred, and that
unity between the Indian community and the wider Queensland community should never be broken at any cost.
Mr Maha Sinnathamby commend the hard efforts put on by BAPS volunteers to make this event happen and
successful and to establish the Vedic Indian traditions and values to maintain the significance of celebrating the
festival in their true sense and spirit.
All chief guest were welcomed traditionally with applying Chandlo, Nadachadi and presented garlands of fresh
flowers.
The event concluded with fresh vegetarian refreshments and delicacies being served to all who attended.
Over 30 distinguished Members of Parliament, Honorary Consul’s, respected leaders of various Indian and Hindu
communities and BAPS guests attended this vibrant event in the Premiers Hall of the Parliament House.
On display, and the highlight of the event, was the offering of grand Annakut (“mountain of food”) where a vast
array of pure vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps resulting in a spectacular display.
The event was extremely well received by all attendees and served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen inter-
community relationships as well as relationships with Members of QLD Parliament.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated
to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by
caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS
endeavours to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300
international centers support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His
Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally,
ethically and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org.
Media Release and Images: Courtesy of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Brisbane.
For further information please direct queries to
Jaynesh Brahmbhatt , PRO
0426 061 086
Baps.brisbanepr@gmail.com
