Sydney, Australia – The Association of Haryanvis in Australia (AHA) marked Haryana Day with a spectacular Multicultural Saanjh event on 16th November 2024, held at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Sydney. The event, celebrating the cultural richness of Haryana alongside the multicultural spirit of Australia, drew over 1,000 attendees, including dignitaries, community leaders, and families, making it a grand success.
Prominent Guests Add Grandeur
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, reflecting the strong ties between diverse communities in Australia:
- The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, Small Business, Lands and Property, and Sport.
- Senator Maria Kovacic, Deputy Opposition Whip in the Senate.
- Clr Martin Zaiter, Lord Mayor of Parramatta.
- Renowned councillors from NSW, including Clr Reena Jethi, Clr Sameer Pandey, Clr Srini Pillamari, Clr Moninder Singh, and Clr Barbara Ward.
Their presence highlighted the significance of the event in fostering multiculturalism and community cohesion in Australia.
Cultural Showcase and Performances
One of the evening’s highlights was the honouring of Padma Shri Mahabir Guddu, a celebrated artist who captivated the audience with his signature performance, Bam Lahri. Local Australian-Haryanvi children stole the show with their lively folk-dance performances, showcasing the cultural roots of Haryana in a contemporary setting.
The event also featured exhibitions on Haryana’s history, culture, and tourism, along with a unique Dharohar setup that showcased the unique archaeological, cultural and architectural heritage of Haryana.
Community Unity and Participation
Demonstrating the spirit of community, attendees came from across Australia, including a busload from Melbourne and others flying in from various cities. Instead of staying in hotels, these guests were hosted by Haryanvi families in Sydney, reflecting the warmth and camaraderie of the diaspora.
The evening wasn’t just about Haryana—it celebrated the diversity of India, featuring folk performances from Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh, making it a truly multicultural experience.
AHA’s Vision and Efforts
Sewa Singh, National President of AHA, emphasized the broader purpose of the event: “Saanjh is not just a celebration of Haryana; it’s a platform for bringing diverse communities together. It embodies the Australian spirit of multiculturalism while keeping our Haryanvi traditions alive.”
Acknowledgments
AHA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its volunteers, community members, and partners whose contributions made the event a resounding success. The messages of support from The Hon. Bandaru Dattatreya, Governor of Haryana; Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat; and Dr. Maha Singh Poonia added a special touch of encouragement to the celebrations.
Looking Ahead
The Multicultural Saanjh event has set a benchmark for cultural celebrations, underscoring the vibrant contributions of the Haryanvi and broader Indian diaspora to Australia’s multicultural fabric.
For more details about the Association of Haryanvis in Australia and its initiatives, visit www.myaha.org.au.
