Massive Toowoomba festival celebrates Indian independence and unity
Hundreds of Toowoomba residents from Indian came together to celebrate the country’s 75th anniversary since independence. The event was also an act of unity. See the pictures here.
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Indian solidarity and unity was on show in Toowoomba, with hundreds of expatriates coming together on Saturday night for the 75th anniversary of Indian independence.
About 300 people representing many of the dozens of states and territories that make up India packed into the Centenary Heights State High School hall for a night of food, music, dancing and culture.
The event was co-ordinated by the Indian Communities of Toowoomba, a multicultural group dedicated to bringing all of the country’s cultural groups together under one banner.
Spokesman Yaju Mahida, who is from the Gujarati community, said he was hoping to build off the initial event for future celebrations.
“It is an achievement, because there are 28 states and territories that make up India, and that’s what we tried to recreate,” he said.
“We played music from all different languages, so we tried to recreate that mini-Indian celebration.”
Committee member Ravi Madhas, from the Telugu community, said there were hundreds more who couldn’t attend due to restrictions.
“If there is no Covid restrictions next year, we can expect 1000 Indian people,” he said.
The event was supported by Toowoomba International Multicultural Society’s president Gitie House, while Councillor James O’Shea was also at the event.
Committee team: Yaju Mahida, Ravi Madhas, Aaditi Dang, Sarabjeet Kaur, Mandeep Singh, Harvinder Khalsa, Paul Varghese, Jyoti Nair
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