Dashain celebrated in the Australian Parliament House according to Vedic rituals
ADELAIDE:- The great Nepali festival of Vijaya Dashami was celebrated with great grandeur at the South Australian Parliament House, featuring the chanting of Vedic mantras, the application of *tika* and *jamara*, and traditional Nepali cultural performances.
The special event, hosted by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Nadia Clancy, on October 28 in the historic Old Chamber of the Parliament House in Adelaide, provided a significant opportunity to honor Nepali culture, traditions, and identity at the state level.
During the ceremony, Pandit Sambhav Subedi performed Vedic *Swastivachan* (recitation of auspicious prayers) and chanted mantras. In accordance with Nepali tradition, he applied *tika* (made of *akshata*—unbroken rice grains) and *jamara* (sacred sprouts) to Minister Clancy. The event, conducted in line with Nepali religious rituals and cultural traditions, saw enthusiastic participation from representatives of various communities, members of parliament, social leaders, and Nepali children.
Addressing the event, Minister Clancy highlighted the cultural and social significance of Dashain. Noting that Dashain holds a special place as a festival that fosters family reunions, respect for elders, and close bonds within the community, she warmly praised the contributions made by the Nepali community to South Australia’s multicultural society.
Noting that the Nepali community continues to preserve its language, culture, and traditions even in Australia, she stated that such cultural events play a significant role in fostering mutual respect, harmony, and understanding among different communities.
In her address, Minister Clancy expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and property caused by the recent floods and landslides in Nepal, and conveyed her solidarity with the affected Nepali people. Emphasizing that South Australia stands with the Nepali community during this time of disaster, she expressed the state’s support and sympathy. She also recalled that a motion had been passed in the Parliament of South Australia to express solidarity with the Nepali community in the wake of the disaster.
Addressing the gathering, Abhay Chhetri—a second-generation Nepali youth—stated that the opportunity to celebrate Dashain, a major festival for the Nepali community, inside the Australian Parliament House is a matter of pride for all Nepalis. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Minister Clancy for organizing this special event in honor of Nepali culture and traditions.
Similarly, Shaba DC, President of the South Australia chapter of the Hindu Economic Forum Australia, shared her thoughts on the experience of celebrating Dashain while living abroad and the emotional significance of the festival. Noting that the absence of grandparents and other elders in the family is felt particularly keenly during Dashain when one is far from their homeland, she remarked that such events help Nepalis living abroad stay connected to their indigenous culture and traditions.
Noting that the celebration of Dashain within the Parliament House of multicultural Australia signifies high respect for the cultural identity of the Nepali community, she expressed the view that such events foster stronger relations and cultural exchange between the Nepali community and other Australian communities. She also thanked Minister Clancy for organizing the event.
A major highlight of the event was an exceptional dance performance by children from the Adelaide Nepali School and Nepali Pathshala, which showcased authentic Nepali culture. Rooted in Nepali art, culture, and traditions, the performance added extra vibrancy to the event and offered participants a beautiful glimpse into the diversity of Nepali culture.
The participation of second-generation children—born and raised in Australia—also highlighted the efforts being made by schools to preserve and pass on the Nepali language, art, and culture abroad. It was expressed that such activities would help the new generation recognize their cultural roots, foster a sense of belonging toward their traditions, and sustain their Nepali identity.
The event saw a significant presence of various parliamentarians and distinguished guests, including Jayne Stinson, Member of the South Australian Parliament for the electorate of Badcoe; the Regional Director of the Australian Department of Home Affairs; the Chairperson of the South Australian Multicultural Commission; Manju Khadka, a member of the South Australian Multicultural Board; and Councillor Renuka Lama.
Similarly, representatives from various Nepali and Nepali-speaking community organizations—including the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Adelaide Nepali Society, Adelaide Nepali School, Nepali Pathshala, the Nepali Bhajan-Kirtan Group, the Bhutanese community, and FENCA—as well as community leaders, participated in the event.
