Punya Foundation organised Dashain Blessing Exchange program with the Salisbury Council and the City of Playford on 14 October 2024. Foundation’s board directors, well-wishers and volunteers attended the program. The majority of the community members associated with Punya Foundation live in the Salisbury Council and the City of Playford.
Mr Hari Poudyal Appraising the Mayor and Team about Dashain 2024
Mr Til Chand Sapkota, the CEO of Punya Foundation and Mr Puskar Poudyal community volunteer appraised Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM of Salisbury Council the importance of Dashain Celebration and the concept behind Dashain Blessing Exchange. Mayor Aldridge appreciated the multiculturalism in South Australia and how Punya Foundation is taking a lead to promote the culture. Mr Devi Charan Adhikari read out the blessing mantra and offered Dashain Tika to Mayor Aldridge.
Similarly, in the City of Playford, Mr Hari Poudyal, a community social worker explained about the significance of the Dashain and the wellbeing cultural connotation associated with the Blessing Exchange in community. Mr Narayan Bhattarai offered Dashain Tika to Mayor Glenn Docherty. The mayor was appreciative of the community celebrating their culture. He thanked Punya Foundation for reaching out to the City of Playford and helping to understand Hindu culture, establishing community connections and enriching Australian culture.
All participants received Dashain Tika and blessings from the Mayors. The councils have been encouraging and supportive of Punya Foundation’s community initiatives. The mayors wish to make this an inclusive yearly event. Mr Hari Adhikari, Director of Engagement, played an active role to organise the program and liaise with the stakeholders with the help of other board of directors, namely Mr Mohan Bhattarai and Mr Sanman Kafley. He thanked all the participants and the Mayors for their support. This program of Punya Foundation falls under the domain Culture and Spirituality.
Dashain Celebration at the City of Playford 2024