Saraswati Puja Celebrated in Melbourne by SACAV with Message of Solidarity and Protest

Melbourne, 26 January: Saraswati Puja was celebrated in Melbourne on 25 January through a unique blend of religious rituals, cultural expression, and humanitarian awareness, organised by the Sanatan Art & Cultural Association Victoria (SACAV). The non-profit community organisation began its journey in Victoria last year with the aim of preserving and promoting Sanatan art, culture, and values within the Australian diaspora.

The celebration drew a large gathering of devotees and cultural enthusiasts, transforming the venue into a vibrant space of devotion, joy, and unity. Alongside Bangladeshi Hindu devotees, participants included Bangladeshi expatriates from other faiths as well as members of Nepali, Indian, and Australian communities, making the event a powerful example of multicultural and interfaith harmony.

In addition to the religious observances, protest posters and messages were displayed, expressing strong opposition to the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh and conveying solidarity with religious and ethnic communities in Australia and across the world. According to the organisers, these messages reflected a peaceful stance in favour of human rights and religious tolerance.

SACAV’s President Rasendra Kumar Das said the organisation strives to integrate cultural heritage with social responsibility within the Bangladeshi diaspora.

“Through Saraswati Puja, we did not only perform religious rituals; we also sought to spread messages of unity, tolerance, and humanitarian values within the diaspora community. We hope to continue such initiatives to keep our culture and history alive for future generations,” he said.

General Secretary Shubhajit Roy emphasised that SACAV’s primary goal is to pass on Sanatan culture and values to younger generations despite the challenges of busy expatriate life.

“This celebration is not merely a religious festival; it is a strong expression of our cultural identity, humanitarian consciousness, and communal harmony. At the same time, it carries an important message of peaceful protest against oppression of minorities in Bangladesh and solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide,” he said.

SACAV representatives stated that the organisation is committed to ensuring that the spirit of Sanatan culture remains vibrant across generations, so that tradition does not remain confined to memory but becomes a living social reality.

Dr. Tilak Pokharel, President of the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC), attended the event as a distinguished guest, while Baal Bayas Sharwan Neupane, priest of ANMC and an international motivational speaker, was also present, adding further significance to the occasion.

The event was conducted in a deeply spiritual and cultural atmosphere through rituals, hatekhori (initiation into learning), distribution of prasad, cultural performances, and arati. A children’s drawing competition was one of the major attractions, adding colour and creativity to the celebration. Religious rituals were conducted by Pandit Narayan Prasad, while Baal Bayas Sharwan Neupane, priest of ANMC and an international motivational speaker, attended as a special guest.

Children express creativity and hope through art during the Saraswati Puja celebration in Melbourne. Photo: Collected

SACAV believes that preserving culture alongside humanitarian responsibility is one of the greatest legacies for future generations in the diaspora. Therefore, the Saraswati Puja celebration was not limited to religious observance alone; it became a meaningful reflection of identity, unity, and social responsibility within the expatriate community.