COINCIDING with Diwali, a group called Vishva Hindu Parishad launched its WA chapter in Butler last month.
Mindarie resident Neha Shinghal is the inaugural president of the Hindu group and said 65 people attended the October 29 event at Butler Community Centre.
“The evening started with a prayer to Lord Ganesha, “Ganesh Vandana” by Durba Battacharya on her harmonium and Jagdamba Pandey on the tabla,” Mrs Shinghal said.
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READ NOW“She enthralled the audience with her melodious bhajan and set the stage for the evening.”
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Mrs Shinghal talked about the 53-year-old Vishva Hindu Parishad institution’s work around Australia.
She said it was important to bring together people from India “so that they could still feel connected to their roots and rich cultural heritage while living abroad”.
Mrs Shinghal talked about integrating Indian values in the Australian lifestyle and raising responsible children who would become contributing citizens of the society.
She concluded with a mention of working closely with Aboriginal communities, getting more active in social services, establishment of Hindu schools and working in partnership with the local government as the future plans.
Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts attended with her husband Peter and lit the lamp in front of the deity of Lord Ganesha.
Mrs Shingal gave her a scarf as a mark of respect and welcomed her for being a part of this event.
The first dance of the evening was a group performance by Hazel Gathani, Nirjari Malani and Disha Parmar from the Academy of Indian Classical and Bollywood Dance.
It was followed by a performance by duo Khushi Chauhan and Nahala Hirani then Gayatri Shinghal did a solo performance.
The final dance was by Avni Hosany, Jaanvi Deshpande , Bianca Parmar and Khushi Hosany, before the musicians performed again.
The event included evening tea, with samosas, pakoras and chilli paneer served, and a children’s workshop to colour in and create Diwali-themed bookmarks.