DEEPAVALI 2006

Deepavali Fair-The Indian Festival of Ligths,2006

Deepavali fair 2006 was held at the Fairfield Showground, Praireiwood, NSW. on Sunday, the 8th October 2006. The program started with Ganesh Pooja and Bhajans. There were cultural program of entertainment throughout the day. There were food stalls catering to a wide variety of food from different parts of India. People could buy dresses and items for Deepavali celebrations. The highlight of the program was the burning of the effigy of the Demon king Ravana and a spectacular fireworks
Deepavali, at the Federal Parliament House, Canberra

Deepavali, was celebrated at the Federal Parliament House, Canberra on Monday, 16th October 2006. The function was jointly hosted by the Hon. Senator Amanda Vanstone, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs and the Hindu Council of Australia, a national body representing all Australian Hindus. The function was attended by a number of Senators and Members of Parliament, including the Hon. Philip Ruddock, Attorney General. The leader of the Opposition, Hon. Kim Beazely  was represented by the Hon. Senator Annette Hurley.

The Indian Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, the Hon. Vayalar Ravi  and the Indian High Commissioner, Mr P. P. Shukla were  also present. The function was attended by the prominent representatives of a number of Indian associations. Sri Om Adisakthiyendra Swamigal of the Sri Om Adisakthi Asharam also blessed the occasion.

The function started with ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp.  The Minister for Immigration emphasised the importance of celebrating Deepavali at the Parliament House and the positive contributions being made by the Australian Indian community in the economic development and well-being of the Australian Multicultural society. Mr Vayalar Ravi praised the contribution Indians living overseas are making in the development and goodwill of the Indian Nation. He invited the overseas Indians to visit India to attend the forthcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas  celebrations in January 2007 being held in New Delhi.

A number of dances were performed by the young artists from Canberra, Sydney and Darwin. Sweets and light refreshments were served. The program ended with spectacular fireworks at the Federation Mall outside the Parliament House.

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