The Sharit Charitable Foundation has hosted Australia’s first five-day Durga Puja, drawing over 1500 devotees to celebrate the festival in Northern Melbourne.
The event, led by Foundation President Chaman Tiwari, was opened by Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles and MP Bronwyn Halfpenny, with City of Whittlesea Councillor Lawrie Cox and Maribyrnong Mayor Pradeep Tiwari also in attendance.
Cultural performances by Prakriti Sanskriti, dances, skits and a final day procession formed part of the festivities. Priests who travelled from Kolkata conducted the traditional Maa Durga pooja across the five days, bringing the atmosphere of Bengal’s most celebrated festival to Australia.
Chaman Tiwari, who has long been active in serving the Northern Melbourne community, said the event reflected her commitment to creating spaces where people could celebrate and connect. She has pledged to continue hosting cultural events and building community support groups.
“A strong advocate for multiculturalism, she promises to host events and create community support groups promoting community engagement in the region,” the Foundation noted.
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