Australia’s Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Peter Dutton, was warmly welcomed to the Maha Annakut festival at the recently opened BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Precinct in southwest Sydney.
More than 1,000 pure vegetarian dishes were lovingly prepared, decoratively displayed, and offered to God by community members. The Annakut festival was held to celebrate the opening of phase one of the cultural precinct.
During his visit, Mr Dutton interacted with various volunteers, from young children to senior adults, and also many members of Hindu community organizations and local leaders.
A key moment of Mr Dutton’s visit was his personal meeting with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who tied a sacred nadachhadi on his wrist, offering prayers for his and his family’s well-being.
In his address, Mr Dutton expressed his admiration for the community’s devotion, saying, “Meditation is a big part of my life and religion is a part of my life. When I look out this morning and see those young boys and girls so proudly wearing their costumes and their religious beliefs on display, as a country we should express that more clearly and be proud of it.”
The Maha Annakut festival reflected the importance of community and devotion.