Last year, the South Australian government organized a special Dashain program with the participation of Nepali-speaking organizations, and this year, it has organized a special Dashain-Tihar program that also includes Tihar.
South Australian Government Minister for Multiculturalism Joe Bettison has hosted a special ceremony to mark Dashain and Tihar at Parliament House.
Last year, the South Australian government organized a special Dashain program with the participation of Nepali-speaking organizations, and this year, it organized a special Dashain-Tihar program that also included Tihar.
Minister Bettison said that this program was organized as a tribute to the contribution, unity and cultural values of the Nepali community. Addressing the Nepali community as 'carriers of cultural heritage', he encouraged them to be proud of their traditions. He also expressed his commitment to continue such opportunities in the future.
Participants in the program also gave an attractive performance of Deusi-Bhailo. Participants said that the festive program in the assembly hall, performed in traditional rhythms, showed how active the Nepalis living in the diaspora are in preserving their cultural identity and instilling respect for language and tradition in the new generation. The participation of representatives of Bhutanese-Nepali organizations reflected the message of common identity and unity of the Nepali diaspora.
Pandit Shastri Sambhav Subedi performed the Swastiwachan and performed the puja, while Ritisha Dahal, representing the second generation growing up in Australia, shed light on the Dashain-Tihar festival. Artist Kshitij Sapkota performed Deusi-Bhailo Bhatti, which made the hall festive.
At the event, Manju Khadka, a member of the South Australian Government's Multicultural Commission, shared her views on the cultural importance of Dashain-Tihar. She said that the traditional festivals of the Nepali community contribute to social unity, family strengthening and positive cultural exchange. She also thanked the South Australian Government for starting the tradition of celebrating the festivals of the Nepali community with respect, noting that this initiative has strengthened the morale and cultural identity of the Nepali diaspora.
