NEWCASTLE NAVARATRI EVENT 2022

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Maitland's multicultural pride and generous spirit was on display during Navaratri late last year. The Indian Association of Newcastle held a colour filled charity event at the Maitland Federation Basketball stadium raising funds for New Gokula Farm, Ronald McDonald House and Stop Acid Attacks. Navaratri is an annual Hindu nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. Goddess Durga symbolizes positive feminine energy that is used against the negative forces of evil and wickedness. She protects her devotees from evil powers and safeguards them. The event celebrations included Garba and Dandia songs, dancing, live music, a DJ and magnificent traditional dress full of colour and joy. In Newcastle it is celebrated with a lot of fervour with the true spirit of festival, bringing the community together for a good cause with over $17,000 raised at the event. Congratulations to volunteer Neeti Pandya, the committee and all the event volunteers for their efforts since 1998. They have raised over $50,000 for so many worthy charitable causes.