By: Prakash Mehta.
Namaste and Wish you all Happy Navartri.
Year 2020 is challenging for all of us. In Australia we have one after another extraordinary circumstances. From drought to bushfire and now we are in COVID 19 situation.
During COVID 19 – we have provided substantial relief to needy people through Hindu Benevolent and Karam Kitchen projects and still we are providing help at Melbourne and Sydney. This could continue till Dec 2020. Many thanks to all of you who have helped in this massive relief work.
Considering the unprecedented situation we are in, the plan for the celebration of Deepavali program is different from our regular program. This year Hindu Council of Australia is presenting Deepavali 2020 virtual. Our engagement with community over online has been successful followed by a big number of subscribers to our newsletters across Australia. We are preparing a fun-filled, entertaining and informative program to engage all ages of the community. We are looking at celebrating more by engaging the community online streaming on social and web platforms (recorded & live).
The Festival is on 14th November 2020, We are going live with 4 weeks social media / online cultural programs and messages from parliamentarians,community leaders and sponsors throughout this period offering our members, sponsors and wider community a “Virtual Deepavali”.
Festival is celebrated online all five days this year as below:
Nov 12, 2020 – Dhanteras ( Day of fortune)
Nov 13, 2020 – Naraka Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali (Day of Knowledge)
Nov 14, 2020 – Lakshmi Puja/Kali Puja (Day of light)
Nov 15, 2020 – Govardhan Puja (New year)
Nov 16, 2020 – Bhai Dooj/Vishwakarma Puja (Day of love between siblings)
Nov 13, 2020 – Naraka Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali (Day of Knowledge)
Nov 14, 2020 – Lakshmi Puja/Kali Puja (Day of light)
Nov 15, 2020 – Govardhan Puja (New year)
Nov 16, 2020 – Bhai Dooj/Vishwakarma Puja (Day of love between siblings)
We are also planning some face to face smaller events at various locations within applicable COVID guidelines.
Adelaide – Rundle Mall 7 Nov 2020 ( TBC)
Canberra – Tuggeranong Mall – 31 October 2020
Federal Parliament – 9 Nov (TBC)
Perth – 1 Nov 2020
Perth – 1 Nov 2020
Sydney – Shopping Center /Council area
Cherrybrook Village – 1 Nov 2020 to 14 Nov 2020
RouseHill Shopping – 1 Nov 2020
Hornsby – 7 Nov – 8 Nov
Liverpool – 7Nov
NSW State Parliament – 11th November 2020
Cherrybrook Village – 1 Nov 2020 to 14 Nov 2020
RouseHill Shopping – 1 Nov 2020
Hornsby – 7 Nov – 8 Nov
Liverpool – 7Nov
NSW State Parliament – 11th November 2020
Sydney Local Councils and Libraries (Parramatta, Cumberland, Hills District , Strathfield ) – TBC
Melbourne – 7th Nov (TBC)
Brisbane – 7th Nov (TBC)
Darwin – 7th Nov (TBC)
Hobart – 7th Nov (TBC)
Brisbane – 7th Nov (TBC)
Darwin – 7th Nov (TBC)
Hobart – 7th Nov (TBC)
We are also planning to publish E-Souvenir on this occasion.
Please note that all above dates are for planning purposes and some events have been confirmed and other dates are still yet to be confirmed as we are still in the approval process with various authorities. . Dates and type of event may change due to COVID 19.
If you wish to participate or available for help for any events or have some other ideas for celebration in current situation, please contact HCA Deepavali Coordinator, Sai Paravastu Ji ( 0402 449 524) or HCA NSW President -Jay Raman ji -0410 795 906 or myself.
Kind Regards
Prakash Mehta
National President
