In a vibrant celebration of cultural unity, Sydney recently hosted the Bijoya Sommilon for the third consecutive year, organized by 25 Australian associations. The grand event took place on November 16 at the Orion Function Centre in Campsie, under the auspices of the Australian Federation for Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Bangladesh (AFARM).
This year’s theme, “Let the Evil Be Vanquished, Let the World Be Pure,” resonated with the spirit of worship for Goddess Durga, embodying a collective aspiration for peace and positive energy within the community.
Commencing at 4 PM and running until 10 PM, the gathering drew a diverse audience, including provincial and federal MPs, ministers, community members, sponsors, and media personalities. Families from various organizations across New South Wales came together, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries to partake in the festivities.
Virtual participants enriched the event by sending greetings, photos, and videos of their own Bijoya celebrations, contributing to the shared joy of the occasion. The program was expertly anchored by Tushar Roy and Ananya Bhattacharya Ritu, who welcomed attendees with acknowledgments of country and led the singing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and Australia, culminating in the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
A standout feature of this year’s event was the presentation of photos and videos from last year’s Bijoya Sommilon, curated by Akash Dey. These visuals served as a poignant reminder of unity and the spirit of collective celebration.
The second segment of the evening featured a captivating cultural program, hosted by Debjani Roy, showcasing performances from various AFARM member organizations. Attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of cultural expressions, including recitations, poetry, songs, and dances.
Federal Parliament member Julian Leeser, former MP Laurie Ferguson, and Shrimati Shobha Deshikan, director of the Hindu Council of Australia, delivered powerful speeches underscoring the significance of Bijoya Sommilon and similar celebrations like Diwali. They called for an end to the ongoing persecution of religious and ethnic communities in Bangladesh, advocating fervently for the establishment of their rights.
The event was a colorful and dynamic celebration, infusing the multicultural society with energy and inspiration. By the end, representatives from all participating organizations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining unity.
The enchanting musical performances by renowned Bangladeshi artist Abanti Sithi and London-based Amit Dey further elevated the atmosphere, making this year’s Bijoya Sommilon a truly memorable and enriching experience.
+ There are no comments
Add yours