Eddie Russell
Moorabool residents can look forward to a special Punjabi celebration on Sunday, August 25.
Unite Foundation, a Bacchus Marsh based not-for-profit organisation, will host its Teeyan Bacchus Deeyan from noon to 5pm at Bacchus Marsh Public Hall.
Teeyan is a festival that takes place throughout Punjab and focuses on daughters, sisters, and mothers.
It goes from April to August – a time in India when the onset of the monsoon occurs.
Organiser Navi Neelon said the occasion was a sort of homecoming for women who had left home to start a family and new life.
“The word Deeyan is like daughters,” she said.
“My mum and her friends who were newly married used to come back to their parent’s house and get together with old friends, sisters, and mothers.”
The traditional celebrations are a way to reconnect with home and community, said Neelon.
“When the monsoon came, girls could go out and celebrate by dancing and singing – there was no social media [back then].”
“In the old times, girls weren’t let out… so it was a celebration, but now it is a way to leave your stress at home and have fun.”
The event was originally going to take place at Darley Park Community Centre but due to demand there was a need to upsize the venue.
Neelon said the event was “very beautiful” and that attendees would not go “empty handed”.
“They will come and see that they are in Punjab – there are a lot of prizes and gifts as well as food on offer.”
On top of that, three different dance groups made up of kids, teens, and women will all be there.
Tickets: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1265621
