AusNepal News | Sydney, Australia
HURSTVILLE, 17 October 2026 — Hurstville Library was transformed into a vibrant showcase of Nepalese culture on Saturday as the Nepali community came together to celebrate Dashain, Nepal’s major annual festival, through traditional music, cultural performances, storytelling, food and spiritual blessings.
The free, family-friendly event, held from 10 am to 4 pm, was organised th
rough a collaborative effort involving Hurstville Library, Georges River Council and the local Nepali community, reflecting the growing contribution of Nepalese Australians to the region’s multicultural landscape.
As the Nepalese population continues to grow across Sydney and Australia, community celebrations such as Dashain are playing an increasingly important role in preserving cultural identity, connecting generations and promoting understanding between communities.
The program featured an engaging range of cultural activities, including traditional Nepali dances, a lively Dohori folk music performance, hands-on workshops, craft activities, storytelling and digital exhibitions. Visitors also enjoyed traditional Nepali food and chai, while the traditional Dashain tika and blessings offered a meaningful glimpse into Nepal’s family-centred cultural and spiritual heritage.
The event welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds, providing an opportunity for the wider community to experience Nepal’s rich traditions in an inclusive and welcoming setting.
Promoting cultural diversity and community connection
Representatives of Georges River Council’s library programs team highlighted the value of cultural initiatives in strengthening community connections and celebrating the diversity of the local population.
Vickey Foggin, Acting Coordinator of Library Programs, Marketing and Outreach, was associated with the event’s library programming and outreach. The celebration reflected the role of public libraries as important community spaces where people can share their heritage, learn from one another and build lasting relationships.
Dashain: A message of victory, wisdom and unity
Speaking during the celebration, spiritual leader Yogi Acharya Rajan Sharma, also known as Bhimsen Sapkota, described Dashain as one of Nepal’s most significant cultural and spiritual festivals.
He emphasised that the deeper message of Dashain extends beyond religious observance, representing the victory of good over evil, wisdom over ignorance and humility over ego.
“Dashain is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and truth over ignorance. Its universal message is to overcome our inner weaknesses, strengthen family bonds and build a society founded on peace, compassion and mutual respect,” he said.
Yogi Acharya Rajan Sharma subsequently offered traditional Dashain tika and blessings to participants, extending wishes for peace, happiness, good health and prosperity.
Preserving heritage for future generations
For many Nepali families living in Australia, Dashain provides an important opportunity to maintain cultural traditions while introducing younger generations to their ancestral heritage. By sharing music, dance, food, storytelling and spiritual customs with the wider public, the celebration also encouraged meaningful intercultural exchange.
The event demonstrated how partnerships between local libraries, councils and community organisations can support social inclusion and ensure that the cultural contributions of Australia’s diverse communities are recognised and celebrated.
As Nepalese Australians continue to establish roots and contribute to Australian society, celebrations such as Dashain at Hurstville Library serve as a reminder that cultural diversity is not merely about preserving differences—it is about building a shared future through understanding, participation and respect.
The celebration concluded with a message of unity, cultural pride and harmony, bringing the spirit of Nepal’s Dashain festival to the heart of multicultural Sydney.
AusNepal News | Community, Culture and Multicultural Australia
