The smell of hot masala curry wafting from the school grounds and the sound of Bollywood music was enough to make any passerby think they had stumbled into India – not Gosnells – last Saturday night.
More than 200 parishioners of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish gathered at St Munchin’s Catholic School hall for the ‘Discovering Culture Night’ to experience everything Indian.
The event was started by parish priest Fr Dariuz Basiaga SDS to bring together the multi-cultural community of Gosnells parish.
Fr Dariuz, a Pole, said he understands the importance of learning about other cultures and traditions.
“When I came here I realised that Culture Night is a biblical way of saying we are brothers and sisters, that we need to understand each other to get closer to each other,” he said.
Opening prayer was followed by the Indian and Australian national anthems before parishioners viewed a presentation entitled 25 reasons to go to India, which ended with the caption ‘love it or hate it you won’t forget it.’
Parishioners were then treated to a wide variety of Indian dance numbers. An Indian couple performed a Bollywood dance to the 1998 hit song Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which translates as ‘something is happening in my heart’.
Fifteen-year-old Rebecca Jayaprakash performed two Indian dances including the Bharatanatyam, a classical dance which has been part of the Indian performing arts culture for years.
Parishioner Mersyl Edward said the night helped her sustain her identity as an Indian.
“It also makes me feel proud that there is a community of Indians that share the same traditions and values as me,” she said.
Perhaps the most anticipated moment was the Indian curry buffet, with many lining up for seconds; those with a sweet tooth enjoyed traditional Indian sweets.
Dessert was followed by dancing, which gave people the opportunity to admire the traditional saris worn by many of the Indian parishioners.
The next ‘Discovering Culture Night’ will give parishioners to experience the Irish cultures and will be held in early December.