Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir celebrated its Grand 4th Sthapna Diwas and Pratham Bhog on Tuesday, 26th January 2021 from 5:00pm pm to 9.00pm.
The program begun with melodious Bhajans & Kirtans by “Bangladesh Puja and Cultural Society Brisbane, a group with very talented members that sang the bhajan with much devotion. The local Devotees sang followed by Guruma Asha Tripati Ji. The MC for the special event, Umesh Chandra Ji welcome all special Guests and Devotees. Dharam Guru Pundit Tripathi Ji honoured and blessed all distinguished guests from local Logan Council and Multicultural Community, volunteer devotees, and attended guests. The guest of honour included Linus Power (MP), Jon Raven (Deputy Mayor of Logan), Natalie Willcoks (Councillor Division 11), Scott McDougall (Queensland Human Rights Commissioner), Ms Janeth Dean OAM (Queensland Multicultural Council), Stanley Hsu (also from Queensland Multicultural Council), Tanvi Goel (representing GOPIO Queensland), Ari Heber (Jewish Community), Nayda Hernandez (from Cr Charles Strunk’s Office), John Prescot and others. Despite the mid-week and memorable Australian Day, more than 200 devotees participated in the auspicious program from Brisbane and Gold Coast. As every year on the Mandir’s Anniversary Day, Guruji and Guruma together humbly and gracefully garlanded all Altar Deities, and offered the traditional “Rani Haar” necklace to Lord Vishnu.
The program concluded with surprise “Community Service Award” by His Holiness Dharam Guru Tripati Ji to Umesh Ji for his enormous tireless volunteer services over the years to the QLD Hindu and other Multicultural Community. Pundit Ji addressed and highly appreciated the Couples presence at all events together, and inspired the Community that all Couples should attend functions and events together, support each other for community service for the betterment of future generation. It is believed the Award will be an annual event with Pratham Bhog and Sthapana Diwas. The devotees from the Bengali Community prepared special varieties of delicious Prashadam for the Lordships offering and all guests. It was a blissful evening!
Special Note: As the grand opening was on the 26th of January every year, the “Pratham Bhog” is held on the same date. It was decided that from next year the celebration will be shifted to the Sunday after 26th January for the celebration as 26th is Australian Day and devotees would like to and are encouraged to take part in Australia Day celebrations.