MORE than 135 people took part in Diwali celebrations in Carramar Community Centre organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia’s WA Chapter recently.
The cultural evening included stage shows and workshop for children and Wanneroo Mayor Tracy Roberts joined in, dancing to Bollywood tunes and Bhangra music.
Cultural and Verdic Centre Perth president Bhavani Murthy explained Diwali, its rituals and how it connected Hindus across the globe.
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READ NOWShe chanted a few mantras later and Mrs Roberts lit the lamp in front of lord Ganesha and officially started the festivities.
Vishva Hindu Parishad WA president Neha Shinghal talked about the organisation and its role in bringing Hindus, different temples and organisations together.
She said it had grown since inception at Diwali 2016, with representatives from various Hindu temples and Indian organisations present as well as people from the wider community.
The first group performance included Janavi Deshpande, Hazel Gathani, Nirjari Malani, Saanvi Savla and Aishwaraya Gudodgi on Udi Udi Jaaye from the Academy of Indian Classical and Bollywood Dance.
Sakha Krishna Das ji, a Russian-born musician, also performed on his keyboard and sang a bhajan.
Gayatri Shinghal played guitar then the Baldja Moort Aboriginal dance group did traditional dancing and played the didgeridoo.
The WA chapter’s secretary Mina Gathani talked about Hinduism, its roots and the global Hindu community before Hazel Gathani gave a solo performance.
Other performers included Natasha Myers, the Bhangra Rulez group and dancers Hazel Gathani, Disha Parmar and Nirjari Malani.
The Dance Touch performed and ran a dance workshop.
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