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Girls just wanna have fun

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The kids parked with extended family and the men handed a list of chores to complete, it was time to take a break for sanity’s sake.

In a celebration of women, by women and for women, the Raunak Trinjna Di event brought together hundreds to enjoy an afternoon of ‘me time’ at Springvale Town Hall, recently.

The strictly women’s only (with a few exceptions) annual event was conceptualised in 2011 with the aim to celebrate the traditions and culture of Punjab in Australia. Kuldeep Kaur, Pawan Brar, Paramjit Kaur Grewal, Jatinder Kaur Kang and Manjot Dhariwal teamed up to resuscitate old traditions and revive quaint memories in order to preserve them for future generations.

“Our lifestyle is so busy nowadays with our multiple commitments and rapid pace of existence that many of our traditions, that served us well, seem to have fallen by the wayside. With Raunka Trinjna Di we try to revive those traditions in a fun and supportive environment,” said Manjot Dhariwal, the main director of the event.

Depicting the vitality and exuberance of the women from Punjab, Trinjna turned out to be a delightful feast of laughter, song and dance. Myriad folk dances were performed including Sammi, Malwai Gidda and Jindua. Sultan Dhillon provided the live music for some of the main performances; the beat of his dhol was as uplifting as the mood in the town hall.

Fun competitions were held through the afternoon encouraging the audience to participate. The pakkhi making (traditional fan) contest and the sevia vatna contest (sweet vermicelli type dessert) saw participation and enthusiasm from many.

Women who chose to attend the event without any makeup also were singled out for being au naturel yet beautiful. Women over 50 years of age were asked to come on stage and let their hair loose whilst showing the younger ones how to shake a leg or two. It was an event for all ages at all stages and, judging by the audience’s response, quite successful in its attempt at interaction.

Judith Graley, Member for Narre Warren South, who presented the trophies to the performers, along with main sponsor Dilpreet Kaur Jaswal from Imperial College, appreciated the colours, energy and excitement that prevailed through the event. The spotlight was also on Manpreet Grewal – Miss Australia Punjaban 2012 – who presented a trailer of her upcoming Punjabi film Gaddhar. The lissome starlet added the ‘wow factor’ to the show with her graceful presence.

Talent was abundant, music was infectious and performances were power packed. Raunak Trinjna Di this year met its desired objective of cultural continuity through its artistic expression of the rich, varied and versatile culture of Punjab. Way to go, girls!

 

Preeti Jabbal
Preeti Jabbal
Preeti is the Melbourne Coordinator of Indian Link.

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