The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, joined the Nepali community to celebrate the Teej Festival in Burwood Park on Tuesday, using the occasion to announce government support for the event's future growth.
In a Facebook post following the event, Premier Minns described the festival as a "brilliant celebration" of "music, color, and the incredible culture of our Nepalese community." He highlighted the community's significant and growing contribution to the state.
"It was great to be able to join them," Minns wrote, noting his attendance alongside Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li, Burwood Mayor John Faker, and representatives from the Burwood Police Area Command.
The Premier pointed to recent demographic data to underscore the community's rapid expansion, stating, "In the past five years, the Nepalese population here has more than doubled - and that's a great thing." He praised the community as "a hard-working, dedicated, well-educated community in NSW that we are lucky to have."
In a significant commitment, Premier Minns announced that the state government would work to ensure the festival continues to thrive. "As a Government we want to see festivals like this happen year on year," he stated. "I can tell you now that we're working with the organizers to make this bigger and better in the years to come."
The Teej festival, a traditional Hindu celebration marked primarily by women, involves fasting, dancing, and singing to honor the reunion of the deities Lord Shiva and Goddess Parwati. Its successful celebration in Burwood reflects the area's evolving cultural diversity.
Concluding his message, the Premier extended a final greeting to attendees: "Yesterday was a brilliant celebration of your people and your culture and everything you've given us here in Australia. Happy Teej Festival - see you all in 2026!"
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