In an impressive display of cultural pride and diversity, the Association of Bhutanese in Australia (ABA) Sydney hosted a vibrant multicultural event that brought together communities from across Australia. Held in St Marys, a Western Sydney suburb in Penrith LGA, this grand event was a celebration of the 16 years of resettlement of the Bhutanese Australian community and their deep-rooted cultural heritage, featuring performances from esteemed Bhutanese artists and various multicultural groups. With a large audience of over 300 in attendance, the event highlighted the significance of multiculturalism, unity, and inclusivity in Australia.
The event began with a traditional land acknowledgment, followed by peace mantras chanted by Bhutanese priests Tara Bhandari, Harihar Acharya, and Tek Nath Nepal. This ceremonial beginning set a courteous tone, honouring the Indigenous heritage of Australia and emphasising the importance of peace and harmony. A candle-lighting ceremony by local MPs and leaders symbolised unity and hope, reflecting the significance of bringing communities together. Karen McKeown MP, Member for Penrith and representative for Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, spoke highly of ABA Sydney, describing it as “the best community organisation” she has engaged with, emphasising its dedication to promoting cultural cohesion. Councillor Ross Fowler OAM, Deputy Mayor of Penrith City Council, commended ABA’s commitment to fostering multicultural harmony, noting how praiseworthy it was for the organization to lead such an inclusive event in Penrith. The speeches reflected widespread appreciation for ABA Sydney’s leadership in promoting multiculturalism and unity.
The highlight of the evening was the participation of several acclaimed Bhutanese artists, who came from around the world to perform at the event. Legendary Bhutanese Nepali singer Pratap Subba, known for his timeless hit Bandanko Chino, made a special appearance, travelling all the way from the United States to Sydney. Subba’s nostalgic performance touched the hearts of the audience, particularly the Bhutanese community members, many of whom were moved by the memories associated with his music. Joining him was Kiran Rasaily, a celebrated Bhutanese Australian composer and guitarist whose song Oh Warrior won international acclaim. Known for his unique fusion of traditional and contemporary music, Rasaily’s presence showcased his devotion and contribution to the evolution of Bhutanese Nepali music in the diaspora. Adding to the lineup of esteemed performers was CD Vijaya Adhikari, the first winner of The Voice of Nepal, whose powerful voice and charismatic presence captivated the audience. Aarif Rauf, a top 4 finalist on The Voice of Nepal, also delivered a mesmerizing performance, along with local Bhutanese Australian talents, Ram Khatiwada and Heeran Gautam from Sydney and, Suvash Dhungana and Laxman Gurung from Adelaide. The event also featured Ashika Rai, a top 10 finalist from Mero Dance Universe, a popular Nepali dance competition, whose graceful dance left a lasting impression on the crowd.
The multicultural theme of the event was brought to life by dynamic performances from various local ethnic communities, including Ethiopian, Filipino, and Tibetan groups. Each community brought its own unique style, from traditional Ethiopian dance to vibrant Filipino folk dances and rhythmic Tibetan performances, creating a colourful blend of cultures that resonated with the audience and, broadly the multicultural Australia. These performances symbolised the diversity and multicultural harmony of Australia and highlighted the inclusive values that events like these promote. The welcome dance, choreographed by Tika Bhandari and Sampada Kafley, featured young Bhutanese Australian talents from ABA Sydney, including Namisha Dhungel, Tanuja Dhungel, Arya Bhandari, Sahara Kafley, Shristi Gautam, and Sayana Chhetri. These young dancers showcased intricate movements, showcasing the vibrancy of Bhutanese culture while making a strong impression on the audience.
As part of the festivities, a specially written welcome song titled Together We Stand Bhutanese Australian was performed, embodying the spirit of unity and solidarity within the Bhutanese Australian community. Written by Padam Kafley and the music composed by Ram Khatiwada, the song reflected the community’s journey and values, echoing deeply with the audience. The program also included traditional Nepali dances performed by ABA artists, including Tika Bhandari, Kamala Kafley, Sharon Chhetri, Sikha Gautam, Jessica Nepal, Mona Dhungel, Preeti Nepal, Mishika Dhungyel, and Riya Dahal. These dancers showcased Nepal’s rich heritage through beautifully choreographed routines, earning enthusiastic applause and bringing a touch of home with the richness of culture and tradition. Their performances celebrated the enduring connection between Bhutanese Australians and their cultural roots.
This well-organized event was coordinated by Suman Chhetri, with substantial support from ABA Sydney’s dedicated team of volunteers. Together, they ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees, from managing logistics to supporting performers. The evening’s MCs, Nanda Bhandari, Smriti Dhungel, Damber Dhungyel, and Dibya Acharya, guided the program with energy and warmth, engaging the audience throughout the night. According to Devendra Gautam, the President of ABA Sydney, the event was made possible through the tireless efforts of all ABA Sydney volunteers and the support of numerous partner organisations, including SydWest Multicultural Inc., STARTTS, SSI, Parramatta MRC, and the NSW Government. Additionally, local councils from Blacktown and Penrith provided essential backing, emphasizing the value placed on multicultural initiatives by regional leaders. The event was attended by notable guests, including MPs, leaders from partner organisations, local community leaders, and representatives from various cultural organizations, such as the Blacktown Nepalese Community, Indian Communities, and the Nepalese Community of Western Sydney (NCoWS). Their presence underscored the widespread support for ABA Sydney’s work in fostering unity and celebrating cultural diversity.
Suman Chhetri, the event’s coordinator, welcomed attendees with heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the community’s strength in supporting and organizing such a significant event. Om Dhungel, the founding president and senior leader of ABA Sydney, took the opportunity to highlight the value of community partnerships, underlining that unity and collective actions have been essential to the organisation’s achievements. “This was on display today as we have collectively helped build social capital over the years through bonding within the Bhutanese community, bridging across communities and linking with service providers, government agencies and other stakeholders”, he specifically noted
underscoring how imperative the collaborative actions and initiatives from all partner organisations and volunteers of ABA Sydney were in creating a memorable evening highlighting the strength of community spirit and cultural pride. The president of ABA Sydney, closed the speeches with a message of appreciation, extending thanks to the volunteers, artists, audience members, DJs, MCs, security staff, and the catering team. “This event was a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines ABA Sydney and its dedication to creating inclusive community events”, the president remembered in the closing remarks.
A special segment of the evening was dedicated to honouring the major interstate and international artists, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the Nepali music industry and their role in promoting Bhutanese and Nepali culture worldwide. Legendary singer Pratap Subba, composer Kiran Rasaily, CD Vijaya Adhikari, Aarif Rauf, Laxman Gurung , Suvash Dhungana, Ram Khatiwada, Heeran Gautam and the dancer Ashika Rai were each celebrated and felicitated for their artistic achievements and enduring influence on Nepali music. Their songs and performances left an indelible mark on generations, not only within Bhutanese and Nepalese communities but also among the global diaspora. The ABA Sydney acknowledged these artists with special mementos and heartfelt observations, highlighting the pride and inspiration they bring to Bhutanese Australians. This recognition featured the significance of these artists’ contributions and the power of music in connecting communities across borders. The honours served as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage the Bhutanese and Nepali communities continue to uphold and share with the world.
The event also took a moment to remember and honour the contributions of Lt. Dr. Bhampa Rai and Lt. Dr. Govinda Rizal, two inspirational Bhutanese figures who made significant impacts in the Bhutanese refugee community through their selfless service, dedication and leadership. Their volunteering efforts were remembered as instrumental in supporting Bhutanese refugees, making them icons of resilience and compassion. Adding to the evening’s reflective mood was a video presentation by Bibas Gautam, which provided a poignant look at the refugee experience. Through vivid storytelling and imagery, the video captured the journey of Bhutanese refugees while in refugee camps in Nepal and after resettlement, evoking deep emotions among viewers and reminding the audience of the challenges faced by the hosting community.
In the end, the event presented an exciting raffle draw with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes sponsored by Dr. Naresh Parajuli and Dukka Pokhrel Parajuli’s clinical business –Gentle Care, Govin Gautam-led All Nations Care Services, and Gauri Kitchen respectively, which enhanced appeal to the program. The night before the event, supported by ABA Sydney hosted a ‘meet and greet’ at Dee Royal Nangloo, a Nepalese restaurant in Blacktown. Highlighting the importance of this meet event, Suman Chhetri the program coordinator believed, “This gathering allowed the artists to meet or reconnect with each other and some key ABA volunteers”. “Thanks to SA Disability Care and particularly Kamal Dahal and Madhav Nepal for Supporting this event financially”, he added.
Dr Om Dhungyel, another senior ABA Leader remarked, “The Australian Bhutanese Multicultural Event 2024 was not just a showcase of performances but a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, culture, and shared experiences in a multicultural society”. “Felicitating the artists for their contribution to our culture and language by bringing together diverse communities and artists from around the globe was exceptional”, he remarked. With heartfelt performances, inspiring speeches, and enthusiastic community support, the event is believed to have left a lasting impact on all attendees, solidifying ABA Sydney’s reputation as a leading voice for multicultural harmony in Australia.
