Several of the CRC staff members donned customary dress for the occasion. Back: Cecelia Xavier Van Dort, Pramila Dhandapani, Sally Moore, Raveneet Kaur, Velumani Suppiah, Baljit Kaur, Amandeep Kaur and Prabjeet Kaur. Front: Baljinder Kaur, Ranjit Kaur and Harpreet Kaur Athwal.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
On Wednesday, October 30, the smell of freshly fried pakoras, spices and garlic filled the hallways of Cobram Regional Care as the organisation marked the beginning of a special holiday.
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Staff each contributed various items to the feast to mark Diwali, a key event on the Hindu calendar.
The result of their collective efforts, a smorgasbord of pakoras, semitya kheer and gobi manchurian, among other delicious items, ensured the staff were well fed and satisfied.
Sally Moore, Harpreet Kaur, Baljit Kaur and Prab Kaur.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Otherwise called Deepavali, Diwali is a two-day festival of lights. In the Hindu calendar, Diwali is the most important event of the year. For many people from India around the world, it’s a chance to connect with family and friends.
Staff member Prab Kaur explained that families create and install a particular type of decoration, called a rangoli, in their homes to mark the holiday.
The rangoli is typically made from coloured sand, rice or even quartz powder.
Staff at CRC went through the painstaking process of creating at least three distinct rangoli for the special day.
One of several rangoli made by staff at Cobram Regional Care for Diwali. This particular rangoli was made by staff from rice.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Cobram Regional Care CEO Tracey Gemmill said the significance of the day was to recognise the importance of cultural diversity within the CRC workplace.
She explained since earlier this year, the organisation had hired eight registered nurses, all of whom migrated from India for the employment opportunity at CRC.
CRC Workforce Development Officer Eily Nunn said the organisation embraced its diversity, alongside “what each employee brings to our organisation, traditions, celebrations and acknowledging what is important to them.”
“We celebrate everybody, and what an honour it is to do so,” she said.
Aman Kaur, Ravneet Virk, Baljinder Kaur and Ranjit Kaur enjoyed the feast.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
The day is also celebrated by those outside the Hindu community. Celebrants also include Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jainists.
During the festival, Indian households set a clay lamp outside their home. According to the National Geographic Society, the lamps symbolise the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The triumph of knowledge over ignorance is also a key feature of the holiday.
