MELBOURNE, 8 September 2024: A drizzle and cold wind lashed the Monash Sport Centre today, as a massive crowd of Ganapati devotees warmed up the main hall inside the Monash Universities sports facility in Clayton. Nature’s harsh realities did not halt people coming for the festival from far flung suburbs.
As if it was a day they did not want to miss. They wore all sorts of outfits including Indian ethnic dresses. Colourful half jackets worn by men and designer sarees by women stole the show. Kids were not behind running about. The numerous stalls including that by Sweet India catered for the taste buds of the visitors.
The Ganesh idol decorated in a beautiful colourful enclosure and lighted was the centre of attraction as devotees with the help of a priest folded hands and offered prayers.
Organisers Vinayak Kolape and Neha Kolape could be seen organising the tit bits associated with the function.
Dr. Rohit Tilak, great grand son of freedom fighter Gangadhar Tilak was the chief guest and others who joined him were Monash Mayer Nicky Luo, John Mullahy MP and President of the organising body Neha Kolape.
The chief guest addressing the gathering explained the concept behind the Ganesh festival started by Balgangadhar Tilak. Tilak, he said, wanted to ignite the freedom movement and unite them for that as the colonial rulers did not want Indians to come together on one platform.
So, he explained, Tilak thought Ganesh festival, a strong ingredient of the cultural fabric will confront the British rulers strongly. Dr. Rohit was presented the ‘Multicultural Award For Excellence’ and he presented Tilak’s ‘Geeta Rahasaya’ to Neha Kolape.
Dr. Raju Adhakari, leader of the Nepalese community was also present among others. John Mullahy MP addressing those gathered congratulated the crowd for the Ganesh festival.
Later a lively and captivating dance competition was held. The ‘Aart’ segment was an important part of the day’s celebrations. The crowds participated with reverence and were joined by the VIP guests.
No doubt, the event was another feather in the multicultural ethos of Victoria and Australia.
