After two months of preparation, a total of 454 balaks, 499 balikas, 158 kishores and 144 kishoris from across Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane Mandir, Brisbane North, Canberra, Darwin, Geelong, Gold Coast, Griffith, Melbourne East, Melbourne Mandir, Melbourne South, Melbourne West, Perth Mandir, Perth South, Shepparton, Sunshine Coast, Sydney) and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Wellington) participated in the many local and national competitions as part of the ANZ Bal-Kishore Adhiveshans.
The local competitions, conducted in-person and marked by judges from the local centre, were based on memorizing and understanding key shlokas and cultural concepts. Through the ‘questions and answers’ activities, the participants gained an insight into core Hindu beliefs. The ‘debating’ and ‘interview’ activities helped to improve their communication skills. Participation in the ‘story telling’ and ‘explaining mahima’ activities created a deeper connection with Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guru Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Around 400 youngsters participated in the national competitions. The competitions were split into two categories, written and visual. Writing activities like ‘comic strips’ or ‘poetry’ encouraged participants to improve their literary techniques. Visual activities like ‘photography’ or ‘graphic design’ enabled them to explore their creative interests and hobbies. The participants submitted their entries prior to the in-person local adhiveshans. These were then graded by judges from various centers across the pacific selected based on their expertize.
Through the various challenges, the adhiveshans gave the children, teenagers and youths an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of culture, enhance their communication skills and express their creativity.