Kingston City Hall was buzzing with vibrancy and the rhythmic sounds of cultural harmony on Sunday, 25th June. SKGA Incorporated, in partnership with the State Government of Victoria, Victorian Multicultural Commission, and City of Kingston, proudly unfurled the colourful tapestry of the 2023 SHMFA Spirit Harmony Multicultural Festival Australia.

With over 214 performers gracing the stage, attendees were treated to a full day of nonstop entertainment. The festival showcased an eclectic range of performances from countries spanning Australia, China, Russia, and many more, including Aboriginal, Spanish, African, Indian, Bulgarian, Afghan, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Nepali, Myanmarese, and Greek traditions.

The ceremonial lamp was kindled by Paddy Menon, with the enchanting Maan Saraswati chants and prayers performed by Parul Singhal. Emceed by Gopal Ganwani from 88.3 FM Southern Bayside, the event was graced by Mayor of Kingston Hadi Saab, VMC Vice-chairperson Bwe Thay, and Commissioner Mohamed Mohideen.

The 12th iteration of the festival was held in memory of the late Padamshree Purushottam Das Jalota, inspired by SKGA founder Nawal Moudgil. A beacon of cultural diversity and community harmony, the event has been promoting Indian arts, International Yoga Day, and meditation through a melting pot of cultural, healing artists and groups for more than a decade.

A spiritual ISKCON Kirtan, Dhanvi Sharma’s Kathak, and a 45-piece live music band from the Spring Arts Multicultural Seniors Association set the tone for the day, succeeded by English and Slavic Folk band Trali Vali, Gujurati Garba Meghna Ribadia, Marathi Lavani Pranoti Kumbhare, and Bollywood songs by Parul, Vinit, Sheena, and Sonya Sharma.

Live dance performers from all over Victoria, including Horo BG Melbourne, Nritya Taranga Dance Academy, and Masala Bhangra Australia, swept the crowd off their feet and onto the dance floor, swaying to the vibrant Punjabi music.

The festival was not just a visual feast but a platform for wellbeing and personal growth. From the blend of ancient science, spirituality, and astrology to the benefits of laughter yoga and Covid vaccination sessions, the event addressed mind, body, and soul.

And what’s a festival without food and shopping? Five food trucks tantalised taste buds with a medley of sweet, savoury, and spicy offerings, while over 15 stalls displayed an array of multicultural jewellery, clothing, kids’ toys, henna, tarot card reading, and health, healing & meditation products.

The event also marked Nawal Moudgil’s 20 years of success in multicultural music and creative arts event organisation. A promise of more excitement was made with the announcement of the 2023 SCAFF Film Festival, a tribute to the late Yash Chopra and Pam Chopra, to be held in November.

Kingston’s 2023 SHMFA Festival was indeed a harmonic convergence of traditions and arts, a symphony of cultural oneness, and a dance where boundaries blurred. It’s where cultures danced to the same beat!

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