ANMC’s land saw a large crowd gather for the Teej Festival

Melbourne

The Teej Festival is an eagerly awaited event celebrated with great enthusiasm by Nepali communities abroad. Melbourne, a melting pot of cultures, embraces this festival with open arms, creating a lively and culturally rich atmosphere. Year after year, numerous community organizations in Melbourne join forces to celebrate Teej, featuring artists and singers from Nepal. This year was no exception, further strengthening the cultural identity of Nepali and multicultural communities in the city. The Teej Festival of 2023 in Melbourne served as a significant cultural celebration, uniting the Nepali community and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.

Yesterday, the ANMC’s land witnessed a colourful spectacle with a gathering of women adorned in vibrant saris and traditional attire. They held ‘Puja Thali’ in their hands, worshipped deities, danced, sang, and volunteered enthusiastically. The entire scene resonated with the spirit of Nepal.

Organized jointly by Didibahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV), the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC), and Baideek Sanatan Samaj, the Teej Festival in Melbourne made history by attracting over 8,000 participants throughout the day.

Speaking to CALD Voices magazine, Roshani Shrestha, the president of DBSV, expressed her delight in the event’s success and the satisfaction it brought to the participants. Many women were eager to celebrate Teej in their own temple, as they often encountered challenges enjoying the festival in other temples due to various restrictions. Celebrating in Melbourne allowed them to embrace their traditions, dancing and singing in a manner reminiscent of their homeland in Nepal. The hope is to continue this tradition for years to come, attracting an even larger audience.

Shankar Gautam, the president of Baideek Sanatan Samaj Victoria, emphasized the significance of Teej as a festival deeply rooted in respect for women within Hindu religious traditions. He underscored the connections between fasting, devotion, dance, singing, and mental well-being, highlighting how these aspects are intertwined during Teej. He also expressed the immense satisfaction of dedicating an entire day to the temple and the community.

Ghandi Bhattarai, the president of ANMC, said how such events enhance their organization’s visibility and impact. This year’s Teej gathering marked a historic milestone as the largest event in the organization’s history, attracting a surge in memberships and interest. The donations and offerings collected during the festival will be directed towards building and maintaining the temple property.

For those unfamiliar with ANMC, established in 2014, the organization’s primary mission is to preserve and promote Nepalese culture and heritage in multicultural Australia.

Photo Credit: Subash Bastakoti