Roshni Indian’s Raj Sharma talks about the Christmas spirit

Roshni Indian has put on a free Christmas feast for the fifth year in a row — but owner Raj Sharma said it’s the hunger for connection and community he aims to quench.  

While Christmas is heralded as the pinnacle of merriness and joy, for some folk it signifies a day of loneliness.

But every Christmas for the past five years, Roshni Indian has tried to stop that, putting on a feast for those who would otherwise have spent the festive day alone.

“It’s not just the homeless or elderly,” Roshni Indian owner Raj Sharma said.

“You can have a top job, be a doctor or a lawyer, and still be alone.”

Diners feasted on prawns, ham and butter chicken and were given a wrapped gift to take away.

Mr Sharma said the gifts were made up with toiletries, new towels and toys among other nice necessities. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Mr Sharma said the gifts were made up with toiletries, new towels and toys among other nice necessities.

The idea for the Christmas lunch initially came about in 2016 when Mr Sharma and his wife Jess realised they would be spending Christmas away from their own families.

“My family was overseas and my wife’s were in Rockhampton,” Mr Sharma said.

“We didn’t want to be alone on Christmas.”

Mackay's Roshni Indian owner Raj Sharma putting on a Christmas lunch with presents included, December 25, 2021. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Mr Sharma said he figured they would not be the only ones with many of Mackay’s residents, particularly it’s most vulnerable, spending Christmas Day solo.

“We put the idea up on Facebook, and overnight it got 5000 likes,” Mr Sharma said.

So the idea became a reality — and Roshni Indian has become a family and home for those who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone.

“It’s about coming together under a roof, sharing a meal together and getting a present,” Mr Sharma said.

Mr Sharma would not shed his generous spirit, saying if people continued to turn up — he would not turn them away. Picture: Lillian Watkins

But Mr Sharma’s generosity is not without sacrifice as his six-year-old daughter waits with her grandparents for Mr and Mrs Sharma to return and spend the remainder of Christmas Day with her.

Mr Sharma said this year was the first time there would be a single sitting for lunch from 11am until 1pm, rather than two separate sittings which would have people being served until 3pm.

‘It puts a value on the Christmas spirit and community’. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Mr Sharma would not shed his generous spirit, saying if people continued to turn up — he would not turn them away.

While it could be difficult, Mr Sharma said he loved being able to give back the community who had supported his business so strongly for the past nine years.

“It puts a value on the Christmas spirit and community,” Mr Sharma said.

“Our child gets to see that mummy and daddy have a community spirit, she gets to learn what that means.

“Taking care of each other, making sure others are okay.”

Originally published as Roshni Indian’s Raj Sharma talks about the Christmas spirit