Classical dance, music and children’s performances brought Indian-Australian families together at Bellbird Park on Saturday for a convention focused on passing cultural traditions to the next generation.
The Indian Cultural Society of Queensland hosted the ICS QLD Convention 2026 on 26 September, drawing community members from Brisbane and surrounding areas, alongside visiting political and religious figures from India.
The afternoon and evening gathering combined performances, food stalls and family activities. Organisers placed particular emphasis on giving younger Australians opportunities to experience the traditions of their parents and grandparents.
Classical and folk dances featured alongside music, drama, skits and singing competitions. Children took part in games, a talent hunt, arts and crafts, with face painting and a dedicated play zone also included in the programme.
A fashion showcase featured traditional clothing, contemporary styles, children’s fashion and family presentations.
Guests included spiritual leader Sri Radha Manohar Das Swamiji and Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party president N. Ramchander Rao. Andhra Pradesh BJP spokesperson Sadineni Yamini Sharma was also among those named by organisers.
Three members of Telangana’s Legislative Assembly attended: Chamakura Malla Reddy, who represents Medchal; Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy, the member for Kamareddy; and Paidi Rakesh Reddy, the member for Armoor. Their constituencies are listed by the Telangana government.
The visiting guests joined families and performers for an event centred on cultural participation and community connections.
Food stalls offered regional Indian dishes, snacks and sweets, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Cultural displays and exhibitions accompanied the stage programme, while lucky draws and prizes formed part of the entertainment.
Entry was free, allowing families and friends to attend the gathering, which began at 3.30pm at 192 Redbank Plains Road.
For the society, the convention’s focus extended beyond the performances themselves. Organisers sought to involve children in the music, dance, clothing and everyday traditions that connect Indian families across generations.
That approach ran through the programme, with younger participants given opportunities to perform, compete and create alongside adults, making heritage something they could take part in themselves.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
