Punya Foundation successfully organised a seven-day Puran program from 23 to 29 March 2026 with the objective of raising funds to build a mandir and community centre in Munno Para Downs. The event marked an important milestone in the journey of a growing community coming together with a shared vision of cultural, spiritual, and social wellbeing.
The program was attended by more than 4,000 people over the seven days, reflecting strong community participation and support. Each day featured a rich blend of spiritual and cultural activities including bhajan, kirtan, puja, bandana, hawan, and traditional dance performances. These activities created a deeply spiritual environment while also providing an opportunity for community members to connect, interact, and strengthen social bonds. Adding further value to the program, Dr Lakshmi Prasad Dhakal delivered an important session on cancer awareness, which was well received and appreciated by participants.
The event was blessed by the presence of Swami Khagendra, while daily discourses were delivered by Pandit Gangaram Bhattarai and Pandit Shanti Ram Upadhaya Dhakal. Several priests conducted daily rituals and prayers, ensuring the spiritual depth of the program. The success of the event was also made possible by the dedication of dozens of volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the week.
The evenings were particularly vibrant and uplifting, with devotional singing sessions attracting large and enthusiastic gatherings. Performances by artists such as Mr Laxman Gurung, Mr Unice Basnet, and Mr Bhagawat Neopaney were captivating and warmly received by the audience. Bhajans presented by ASAL Kirtan Mandali, Vishambar Kirtan Mandali, and Harisung Kirtan Mandali created a joyful and devotional atmosphere, inspiring participants to sing, dance, and celebrate together. The Nepal Bhajan Kirtan Samuha Adelaide further elevated the energy of the evenings with a compelling performance that encouraged wholehearted participation. The program was seamlessly supported by the PA system, generously provided by Mr Dilli Adhikari and Mr Dadhi Dhakal, which functioned flawlessly throughout.
A remarkable aspect of the event was the preparation and distribution of purely vegetarian meals. These lunch and dinner were prepared on-site using donations from community members, and more than 6,500 episodes hygienic meals were served through a well-organised community kitchen setup over the course of the program.
The formal closing ceremony was held on 29 March 2026. Mr Puskar Poudel effectively served as the master of ceremony. The CEO of Punya Foundation, Mr Kashi Adhikari, welcomed guests and participants and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering this important project for the community. The chief guest, Hon Matt Burnell MP, spoke highly of the program and praised the leadership and community effort. The Mayor of the City of Playford, Mr Glen Docherty, acknowledged the project as a well-planned initiative with a strong vision to serve the multicultural community and reiterated the council’s commitment to support and facilitate its progress. Ms Michelle Dieu from AMRC also appreciated the community’s progress and expressed her support for the project.
Dr Lakshmi Prasad Dhakal, the founder and lead of the mandir and community centre project, provided an update on its progress. He shared that the master plan required some amendments, which are currently being addressed. He also highlighted that multiple consultants and experts have been engaged to prepare documentation, drawings, and to coordinate with the City of Playford. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr Hari Adhikari, Director of Programs.
The seven-day program saw more than 500 instances of donations, both in cash and kind, with several donors donating $5,000 to have their names inscribed in the SHILA LEKH. The total commitments made during the event exceeded $250,000. The organising committee expressed its sincere gratitude to all guests, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and team members whose collective efforts made the program a grand success. The committee will publish the income and expenditure details and donors list in a due course of time.
This initiative represents a significant step towards establishing the first multicultural community centre and mandir for the Nepali-speaking migrant community in South Australia. It builds on the strong foundation laid in May 2025, when a Maha Yagya was organised along with the historic BHUMI DAAN SANKALPA on 11 May, symbolising community commitment, ownership, and aspiration towards this long-term vision.
Photo credit: Mr Rabhi Bhandari