Ranjan Shrivastav was in crises mode when his mother-in-law wanted to observe "Chhath Parva" in Australia. That was in 2012 when he dug up backyard at his brother-in-law's house in suburban Melbourne to create a pool required for the ritual.
Looking at the crowd and the mix of Nepalis from all casts and creeds in 2018, he feels over the moon.
Shrivastav says he's very very happy to preserve and promote the culture that has withstood the test of time.
Chhath Parva 2018 being observed in Edwardes Lake, Melbourne Source: SBS Nepali/Abhas Parajuli
"This is being practised since eternal times - I am very glad to see our younger generation taking this tradition mainstream," he told SBS Nepali.
Surendra Rauniyar a climate scientist with the Bureau of Meteorology in Melbourne, is the chairman of “Madeshi Community in Victoria’’ and the mastermind for running the event since 2013.
“I am very thrilled to see such a diverse and great participation from members of our Nepali community. For the first time, we’ve got a female coordinating the event,” he said.
Rina Deo from the Madhesi community living in Melbourne has created history by becoming the first female to coordinate such an event.
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott who attended the event as the chief guest lauded the Nepali community for leading by example.
"I am very happy to be here celebrating Chhath Parva in a great multicultural festival open to the entire community," he said.
The event attracted hundreds of people and some even came from as far as New South Wales. Bikas Sah is once such enthusiast who last attended the first Chhath Puja celebrations with his mother from Nepal. He said the event has become much more vibrant.
Even some Indian tourist in Melbourne who would celebrate the festivities back home had come to Edwardes Lake Park.
Alka Kesari from Gaya in India was super impressed with the celebrations.
"I thought I was back in my hometown! Look how happy everyone is - this is an incredible experience," she said.
Among the crowd was former Chief Justice of Nepal's Supreme Court, Ram Kumar Prasad Shah. He commended the local Nepali community for coming together and showing great camaraderie.
Shah was also pleased to see the younger generation taking the charge and conducting the function with great zeal.
In New South Wales, Association of Nepal Terai Australia organised a similar event in Tempe to cater to the needs of Chhath celebrating populace there.
Surendra Rauniyar from Madhesi Community in Victoria welcoming Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott and other guests at Chhath Parva 2018 Source: SBS Nepali
Posted by Jeetendra Thakur on Monday, 12 November 2018
