The Hindu Heritage Society (HHS) began as the Indo-Australia Arts Education Centre (Kalaa Mandir Inc.), with a focus on engaging people through activity-based practice. Over the years, numerous individuals have participated in and benefited from our programs. In 1998, Pandit Narayan Bhatt, along with Pandit Jagdish Maharaj and Pandit Sukhendra Shandil, formally established what is now known as the Hindu Heritage Society.
Our Aims and Objectives
- Promote and Develop Hindu Arts: Encourage the growth of literature, music, performing arts, visual arts, craft,
design, film, video, television, radio, community arts, and movable cultural heritage associated with Hindu culture.
- Organize Cultural Events: Host Hindu cultural festivals and youth activities, including community art presentations and
performances of rituals and dance.
- Promote Indian Arts: Foster interest in Indian arts such as painting, drawing, music, and dance, and enhance participation through
education, training Hindu priests, performance, and study.
- Provide Financial Assistance: Offer financial support to individuals wishing to further their study of Indian arts and culture.
- Disseminate Information: Provide information and literary resources on Hindu culture to the public through
publications, HHS website, visual art displays, crafts, radio, film, and other media.
Key Activities and Focus Areas
The Hindu Heritage Society (HHS) has actively promoted Hindu cultural values through seminars, exhibitions, and public talks. One of the most notable events was the "Sarva Dharma Sammelan" (seminar for all religions) in 1998, integrated with the "Kumbh Mela," celebrated with special significance every 12 years in India. During this event, holy water from the Ganga was distributed as prasad to attendees.
On October 7, 2012, HHS organized the first-ever BRAHAMAN PUROHIT SAMMELAN in Sydney, Australia. This seminar, attended by over 50 priests and various organizations, was specifically intended for practicing priests. This was a stepping stone in brining priest from various parts together and seeing them working towards in working on common Hindu festival dates.
To reflect our aims, we initially committed to hosting three major events each year:
- Saraswati Pooja for youth in January/February.
- Guru Purnima as our "Sanskriti Diwas" in July.
- Shakti Pooja (Devi Puja) in September/October.
As our organization grew, we added two more annual functions:
- Holi Festival, celebrated in March/April.
- Gita Jayanti, held later in the year.
HHS has celebrated these major festivals in Australia since 1998. Additionally, we have organized events like Shri Ram Leela, Shri Krishna Leela, and conducted music and dance classes.
The main aim of HHS is to connect various organizations and support them in their activities. We have arranged numerous seminars, exhibitions, and talks to fulfill these responsibilities, such as:
- Displaying cultural symbols (Jhakis).
- Erecting the Vaishno Devi Gufa (cave).
- Showcasing pictures of famous Gurus and Rishis.
- Organizing the first Brahmin Purohit seminar in Australia.
Our reach extends beyond Greater Sydney, traveling to Victoria, Queensland, Canberra, Adelaide, and even the Northern Territory to assist like-minded organizations.
We have a diverse and enthusiastic member base, including Australians from various backgrounds. Many members trace their origins to the Indian Subcontinent, including Nepal and Bhutan, as well as the Indian diaspora in Fiji and South Africa, now residing in Australia.
HHS actively participates in community service through public events and collaborates with organizations like the Hindu Council of Australia, Australian Council of Hindu Clergy, Brahman Purohit Maha Sabha, and Sanatan Sabha of NSW, to name a few. We have a dedicated team of Purohits providing religious services to the community almost every weekend.
We maintain an online presence through our website, Facebook, and YouTube. Additionally, we have published numerous books, audio CDs, videos, magazines, and conducted radio programs to promote our rich heritage.
Regular classes for Purohits and weekly Shrimad Bhagwat Gita sessions are also conducted.
For details of scheduled events, please refer to our upcoming HHS events page and follow us on Facebook.
