Around 180 people gathered at Mulherin Park in Mackay Harbour on Saturday, 8 August, for a Rath Yatra celebrating Indian culture, tradition and community connections.
Organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Mackay, the event brought families and friends together for a traditional procession featuring a decorated chariot, followed by cultural celebrations and a shared vegetarian meal.
The celebration was held in the presence of Pujya Aarshpurush Swami and Pujya Brahmasmaran Swami. Special guests included Nigel Dalton MP, Dr Sanjeev Bandi, Executive Council Committee Member of the Mackay Indian Association, and Mackay Harbour Surf Club Manager Stan Ridland and his wife Jenifer.
Rath Yatra is a long-standing Indian tradition associated with values including equality, harmony, compassion and togetherness. Events such as the Mackay celebration also offer an opportunity for people unfamiliar with the tradition to experience aspects of Indian culture and connect with members of the local Indian community.
The event relied on the involvement of volunteers and families, who helped organise the procession and activities throughout the afternoon.
For Mackay, the gathering provided a space for members of the Indian community to celebrate a tradition while inviting people from the wider community to take part.
The afternoon ended with Mahaprasad, a vegetarian meal shared among attendees, bringing the community gathering to a close.
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