ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA, July 18, 2024 (SBS Hindi): When Rajendra Pandey started volunteering for the Indian community through the non-profit community organization Vishva Hindu Parishad Australia (South Australia), his goal was to establish culturally sensitive services for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs. He noticed that South Asian communities in Australia lacked a culturally sensitive and safe way to scatter ashes, and this motivated him to establish Harishchandra Ghat in Adelaide. Pandey said the search for a designated space for last rites, involving the scattering of ashes and related prayers, began a few years back. “After the body is cremated, Hindus immerse the ashes in flowing water as a symbol of returning the body to nature,” he explained. “I know that many community members struggle to find a suitable place near water to scatter the ashes of their loved ones. At times, they have even had to send bodies back for final rites or take ashes back to India for scattering in the water.

After approaching several councils in Adelaide, Pandey said he finally received approval from the Snowden Council. As per an official document of the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, the community has been given a spot at Snowden Beach for conducting “water ceremonies” on weekdays from 9-11am without any permit or fee. The council confirmed that it approved a budget of $75,000 for the construction of a staircase at the beach, ensuring safe access to the water. “This budget includes funding for the installation of bench seating to enhance comfort and a sign to educate the broader community about this significant cultural practice,” a council spokesperson told SBS Hindi. “The establishment of stairs and seats will improve the overall amenity and the community’s use of Snowden Beach’s water frontage.” Set on the bank of the Port Adelaide River at Largs North, Harishchandra Ghat will be a designated site for dispersing ashes after cremation, along with other related religious rituals.

More at source.
https://www.sbs.com.au/language/hindi/en/podcast-episode/this-australian-state-is-getting-a-dedicated-site-for-hindus-to-scatter-ashes-it-signifies-acceptance/xn8y7cian

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