Fun: There were lots of games for youngsters to enjoy at Benalla’s Southeast Asian new year celebration.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The Benalla community came together on Saturday, April 13, to celebrate Southeast Asian new year at the town hall.
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The family day out included tasty, traditional Southeast Asian food and drink as well as some fun activities for children and some of the more mature attendees.
From having an opportunity to try Bollywood dancing to playing pin the tail and enjoying a tug-of-war, there was something for everyone.
This was the second annual Southeast Asian new year’s event to be hosted by the Benalla Migrants Association in the Rose City.
Attendees dressed in traditional garb and embraced the celebration.
Competitive: Youngsters at the Southeast Asian new year celebration having a go at the tug-of-war.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
BMA president Puna Gunaratne said everyone had a great time.
“It takes about three months to arrange, so we started planning straight after the January new year,” Cr Gunaratne said.
“We had a few activities. The dances were really fun. We had performances from children living in Benalla.
“And, of course, we all celebrated the Southeast Asian new year.
“We had different children get up on stage and speak about new year in their own language.
“There were about eight of them, which was a highlight.”
Cr Gunaratne said this type of celebration becomes increasingly important to the Rose City as it becomes more multicultural.
“The community has been growing year on year,” he said.
Family day: Gurcharan Singh and baby Himmat Singh at Benalla's Southeast Asian new year celebration.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“And with that we have more and more members joining the Benalla Migrants Association as well.”
There was plenty of food on offer at the event.
“Some of it was made up in Shepparton, but some was made here in Benalla too,” Cr Gunaratne said.
The BMA always welcomes new members. If you would like to find out more visit Benalla Migrants Association @Facebook or benallamigrants.org.au/ or email on info@benallamigrants.org.au
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