Categories
Events

Festivals of the Season  

Diwali is less than 100 days away, at Gaura Travel we celebrate India’s diverse religions and ethnic groups, where a vast number of local festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Each festival brings a unity of culture and celebration with festivities for families, relatives and friends to enjoy.

The next biggest festival of the season, Diwali, is celebrated nationwide in India on October 24th, 2022 and symbolises the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Diwali – The festival of Lights

Diwali is a festival that symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated by many different religious groups in India, each with a unique interpretation. Hindus celebrate Diwali to celebrate the return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the evil king Ravana and the rebirth of goddess Lakshmi, whereas Jains celebrate and honour Lord Mahavira’s enlightenment. For the Sikh population, the festival is held to celebrate Guru Hargobind’s release from prison.

5-day celebration of this Holiday

This year, Diwali will fall on 24th October, with the 5-day celebration commencing on 22nd October with Dhanteras – the act of cleaning and purchasing gold, silver and other new items to decorate the house. For the second day, Choti Diwali, houses are decorated with diyas and candles, with families gathering to create rangolis. On the auspicious day of Diwali, extended families come together with their traditional attires and perform a ritual called ‘Lakshmi Puja’, afterwards celebrating with delicious food and lighting diyas together.

On the fourth day, Padwa, festivities are dedicated to celebrating the loving bond between husband and wife by exchanging gifts. On Bhai Duj, the fifth day, families get together to celebrate the special bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters tying a special bracelet called ‘rakhi’ around each brother’s wrists. In return, the brothers give gifts and sweets to their sisters and promise to protect them for life.

Diwali in Australia

Diwali or Deepavali is the most important occasion for the Indian community in Australia. To Hindus, this is a symbol of hope, harmony, joy and renewed togetherness of life. The Hindu Council of Australia is organising an array of cultural events to be held at Martin Place, Parramatta Park and other venues around Sydney by cooperating with the local Indian communities. These events will not only represent religious significance, but also have something to offer for attendees of all ages, from exciting Bollywood recitals, traditional foods and music, henna artworks and more. Entrance to many of the fair’s cultural events is free, and open to all Australians to experience the rich multicultural traditions, cuisines, music and much more.

With joy and laughter in the air, there’s no better time to travel to India and celebrate this auspicious festival with your loved ones. Find out more about our special flight offers to India during the festival season here:

https://gauratravel.com.au/flights/

Learn more about Australia’s Deepavali events happening near you;

https://www.sydneypoint.com.au/events/deepavali-festival/

Event Date: 24 October 2022 (TBA)

Venue: Multiple Venues, all around Sydney (Including Cherrybrook, Rouse Hill Town Centre, Liverpool, Hornsby, Sydney NSW)

Entrance: Free  

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Sources: https://www.asiahighlights.com/india/festivals-and-celebrations#Next%20Big%20Festival%20in%20India , https://www.asiahighlights.com/india/diwali , https://www.asiahighlights.com/india/diwali-legends-and-stories , https://www.sydneypoint.com.au/events/deepavali-festival/

Categories
Events

National Brothers Day

Woah wait.. your most precious yet unbearably annoying brother gets a whole day dedicated to himself? Let that sink in first.

Let’s just accept it guys..You love ’em, you hate ’em, but you cannot go a day without them. Growing up, they often greeted us with either hugs or a black eye. There was no in between.  They are your first best friend, your survival kit, and the one you can trade the world for.

No matter how old you become, when you are with your siblings, you cannot help but relive your childhood. It’s the priceless memories of fighting for the remote, sharing that one chocolate and taking the blame for the broken vase, just to spare him the horror of your mom. Hands down, the best memories majority of us cherish in a lifetime are that of the time spent with brothers.

As life continues and you go different ways, the memories become much stronger. Time and again, you find yourself cherishing those carefree summer vacations from school, those innumerable fights and the countless car rides battling for the front seat. Thinking about those chaste memories leave you nothing but a smile on your face.

They are still your best friend, and if you fall, they will be there to catch you. Call them up today and tell them how special they are to you. This day, relive your childhood with them and tell them you are their number one!

Guess, its right when Christina Rosseti said, “For there is no friend like a brother in calm or stormy weather; to cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands”.

We’re here to bridge the gap between you and your brother, you are just a click away to re unite with your loved ones. Travel from Australia to India or India to Australia and make this year memorable!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Categories
Events

A legend has passed.

A final goodbye
The Melbourne Cricket Ground was filled with memories on the 30th of march, honouring former Australia test cricketer Shane Warne. Shane’s contributions to his sport, the state, and the country itself magnify the passion he had for cricket. After Shane Warne’s retirement in 2007, he played for 4 years in the Indian Premier League. Warne served both as a player and mentor for Rajasthan Royals and became the captain of the team when they won the inaugural IPL in 2008, beating Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in the final.

Shane Warne’s children unveiled their fond memories of their dad and took a trip down memory lane. ‘My dad just wanted to be the best dad he could be’ said Brooke Warne as she continues to describe her beloved dad and his everlasting legacy. All three of Shane Warne’s children spoke at the memorial amongst a sea of onlookers, everyone cherishing their fond memories of Shane Warne.

Remembering the good
Many performances took place, with Ed Sheeran playing Shane’s favourite song as well as Robbie Williams performing Angels in tribute.  Actor Glenn Robbins recalled his experiences playing golf with Shane Warne saying ‘I used to play gold with him as well and it was hard because he had such a full life, and he would tell the best stories’ reminiscing core memories he has with Warne.

Andrea Egan spoke on behalf of the UN wildlife fund and commended Warne’s work which had begun last year, showing his responsibility as an Australian to protect the wildlife ‘when he joined, he expressed his hope of trying to rewrite the future and protecting animals and their habitat’

Shane Warne has impacted many lives throughout his life, from being one of the best cricketers, a father, a friend, a brother, a husband, a son, to a lover of all animals. Warne has left his mark on all of us. The Melbourne Cricket Ground’s atmosphere was quiet and sentimental in memory of Shane Warne.

Ready to rumble?
Plan your trip to India with Gaura Travel and enjoy a stress-free journey. Don’t wait any longer to see your loved ones back home. To book your flights visit -insert link- or contact us at -insert number- for any enquiries. Happy travelling!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Categories
Events

This Dussehra, NSW (Rama) vanquishes hotel quarantine (Ravana)

NSW to ‘open up to the world’, scraps quarantine for fully vaccinated passengers

On the occasion of Dussera, could residents of NSW wanting to return to, or travellers wanting to visit the state, have asked for a better gift?

We celebrate Dussera to mark the occasion of Lord Rama defeating Ravana. On that very day Lord Rama was united with Goddess Sita and one can imagine how they might have prepared to travel back to Ayodhya – well you can start packing your bags too, because the state of NSW is ready to welcome you with open arms.

In a very welcome move, NSW premier Dominic Perrottet has announced that fully vaccinated travellers arriving into New South Wales from overseas will no longer have to quarantine from November 1, thereby giving us another reason to celebrate this auspicious day of Dussera.

New South Wales is about to hit its 80 per cent double-dose vaccination target over the weekend and this news comes as an absolute breath of fresh air to travellers and families who wish to fly into NSW.

The reopening of Sydney and NSW to the world, is a giant step towards the resumption of ‘normalcy’, especially for the travel industry, promising a way back to the times before COVID 19 became a household term.

The state of New South Wales has recorded 399 new local coronavirus cases and the case numbers continue to plummet, creating a pathway towards a future without restrictions.

The only thing that matters is double vaccination

In order to qualify and be exempt from quarantine, travellers will need to do a PCR test before boarding a flight and will need to prove their double-vaccination status.

Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres told the press conference there would be no restrictions on where travellers are arriving from. What this effectively means is that regardless of whether you are an Australian Citizen or not, you can travel to NSW.

With vaccination status being the only determinant, the state and its travel industry has made it clear that all travellers are the same in its eyes.

The NSW Government also confirmed that fully vaccinated travellers already in quarantine will be freed on November 1, even if their stay is for less than 14 days.

What does this mean for you?

In simple terms, if you wish to travel back home to NSW, or just want to visit the state, you are welcome to do so after November 1st without you having to go through hotel quarantine, as long as you are doubly vaccinated.

So, if you haven’t booked up for your vaccines, get onto that first. And then give us a call – we will get you on a flight to Sydney / NSW before you can say ‘Happy Dussera’!

Your prayers have been answered. And Gaura Travel looks forward to flying you to NSW and to welcoming you all once again.

And this time, you can drive away from the airport, wherever you wish. Your imagination is the only limitation.

We wish you all the ‘Happiest Dussera’ ever!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Categories
Events

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE WITH TRIVIA’S!

At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. 75 years ago, in that moment when Jawaharlal Nehru recited these famous words, India became one. India became free.

A country full of distinct cultures, religions and festivals – one thing that binds us all together is the undying love for our country. Despite the differences, India is united in its diversity. This is where heritage meets pride and beauty meets legacy.

This year marks as the 75th Independence Day for us! 75 years of reflection of the sacrifice of our leaders, martyrs, and heroes. Oh, we have really come a long way!

To celebrate the love of these 75 years, we are bringing your patriotism and love for India at test! Woah, what does that mean? Well, that means every week we will challenge you with weekly quizzes that will that test your general knowledge, love for sports, academics, history, entertainment and what not!

Brace yourself for trivia’s that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Are you ready? Pull up your socks because this will be a nail biter!

Every week, we will select 2 lucky winners who will get a $50 gift voucher and exciting prizes! Woah!

Get ready guys, prep yourselves because this is going to be fun!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Categories
Events

This Yoga Day, lets work IN and not OUT!

We often find people diving onto their Yoga matts and transporting into a different paradigm. Into a different world. A world overflowing with positivity and peace. So, the question is, how do they do this? And what exactly is yoga? Is it just a form of exercise? Is it a religion, a philosophy, an ideology? or is it something completely different? Gosh! The list doesn’t end.

The word “yoga” literally means “union”. Derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union, yoga is an ancient practice that brings together the mind, body and soul. Have you ever imagined experiencing the entire universe inside of you? Well, that is EXACTLY what yoga does. It unites you with your inner soul, your inner world.

This International Yoga Day, lets make Yoga all about working in and not out. We all deserve it after coming out of a deadly pandemic right? Now is the time to open our hearts and focus our awareness into our inner selves.

Here, we give you 10 reasons to love yoga!

  1. Can you run five miles but not touch your toes? You are not alone. Try incorporating Yoga in your life and in no time, you can twist like a Rubric cube (bad jokes are allowed). Yoga is all about balance. It increases your body’s flexibility while building internal and external strength. Through deep breathing It connects your body to your mind.
  2. Tired of working long hours and slouching your way through life? Sounds painful. How about standing up straight and honouring your spine’s natural curves? Yoga not only teaches us to stand and sit straight, with shoulders relaxed and chin up but also improves our bodily alignment, eliminating the risk of injuries.
  3. In need for some some blood rush and thinking of hanging your legs up the wall? How about we tell you that some yoga asanas have the power to instantly speed up your blood circulation?  Yes! The Yoga asanas help increase circulation throughout the spine, glands and organs, giving our body the much wanted blood and oxygen. 
  4. Health is wealth, isn’t it? Today all we are so busy in our past faced lives that often we forget to take care of ourselves. Our bodies deserve to be treated. A few minutes of yoga is the right way to push that recharge button and say bye-bye to stress.
  5. Dreaming about a flat stomach, toned arms and sculpted legs?  Count us in too. Not only Yoga makes one more flexible, but also makes us stronger!
  6. *Take a deep breath and relax*. Breathing in and out is the smallest reminder we can give ourselves to beat anxiety. With physical Yoga poses, controlled breathing, and meditation we can together learn to overcome this monster called stress.
  7. “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” ― Rumi. Yoga holds the power to heal the mind, body and spirit. Yes, it does. Let’s open our hearts and fasten the healing of body. Be it injuries, mental stress or any illness, a few moments with Yoga everyday can leave you healed, rejuvenated, and refreshed.
  8. The best gift your body can give you is a good night’s sleep, right? In fact, practicing yoga before bedtime is the best way to release everything you’re holding onto mentally or physically before sinking in the peaceful sleep mode.
  9. What’s a nicer way to connect with people than a fun yoga class? Yoga can transform your body, your attitude and your awareness. By connecting with people through Yoga, you have the power to exchange energies and refresh your soul.
  10. Yoga is a transformational practice that strengthens the life force within. It teaches us to overcome internal and external obstacles that come with everyday life. It builds that emotional connection with oneself and teaches us to value life.

Enough said right? Now its time to take your yoga off the mat and into your life!!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Categories
Events

REAL HEROES DON’T WEAR CAPES, THEY WEAR SCRUBS | INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY

As the world still struggles to fight the battle with COVID-19, millions of healthcare workers continue to resiliently put up their lives on the line to protect us. The pandemic has erupted all sides of humanity into sharp focus, yet most of it has shown the undying bravery of our healthcare workers.

In a year defined by what will likely be the biggest health care crisis of our lifetimes, our brave nurses and caregivers have demonstrated exemplary endurance, compassion, and selflessness unlike anything we have seen.

While many of us stayed at home, our real heroes were on the frontline working tirelessly to take care if us.  At times when they were exhausted and desired to be home with their loved ones, they donned their PPE kits and went in to support all of us.

“Thank you” does not begin to convey the gratitude we feel for our nurses. We thank them for every extra shift they did. Every dinner they missed with their kids. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank them not only for the sacrifice they continue to make for us all, but the sacrifices their families and loved ones are making in kind. We thank them for showing up every day and night, all in service of saving lives and helping others.

This International Nurses day, give them a shout-out, cheer them on, and do them a favour by washing your hands!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Categories
Events

Our Tribute to Mother’s Day – NINDIYA

About the song

The song captures the sacred emotion between a mother and her child. Especially when the child grows up and leaves the house (for study, marriage etc.) to live a life of their own. The song shows this through a moment in Lord Krishna’s life when he leaves his mother Yashoda in Vrindavan never to return.Nindiya captures that first night Yashoda spends without her darling Krishna, unable to sleep without her son. And how the all-knowing Krishna reassures her from en route to Mathura that he is always with her.
It highlights a mother’s emotions and her (grown-up) child’s reassurance that the bond they share will never diminish. To the Yashoda in every mother, to the Krishna in every son / daughter.

Gaura Travel’s Association with the Song

Mother is the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind. If we were to express the love and gratitude we have for our mothers, we would be at a complete loss for words.
We know the pandemic has been a testing time for all of us. However, it has been the hardest for our mothers. There is nothing more painful for a mother than to be away from her children during such uncertainties.

We felt their pain. We felt their angst and their yearning to see their children.

Hence, we left no stoned unturned in reuniting thousands of mothers with their loved ones. At Gaura Travel, “Reuniting families” solely became our motto to serve our community.

This mothers day, to celebrate and cherish the love of our mothers, we are collaborating with Siyer – The composer and singer of Nindiya, a song dedicated to the real pillars of our families. The real MVP’S.

Listen, love and share!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/


Categories
Events

The Power Of Nine Nights – Happy Navratri!

What is Navtatri?

Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights’, is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. This year, starting April 13, the Hindu festival of Navarātri will begin and last till April 22. It is a time of celebration as well as of reflection for Hindus all across the globe. These nine days are truthfully devoted to Maa Durga and her nine incarnations, the epitome of sheer courage and strength. To offer gratitude to the goddess, people indulge all forms of  fasting, spiritual practices, pujas, meditations and abstain from non vegetarian food and alcohol. All over India there is eruption of a nine-night dance festival and each night people assemble in open spaces to celebrate feminine divinity, referred to as Shakti. The Navratri pooja has an elaborate abhishekam of 11 offerings and a cheerful time of music and dance, singing the praises of the glory of Devi. It’s an explosion of energy and positivity.

Navratri celebration in Australia

Over the time, this festival has crossed boundaries of the nation and has become a reason to share smiles and joy all over the world. With millions of Indians living in Australia and many other countries, the festival is celebrated with utmost zest and zeal. A mother of two and a psychologist, Ms Khurana arrived in Australia in 2014 with her family. “We have formed a community group in which members host special prayers during Navratri at home and invite others. It’s a very important festival for us”, says Ms Kakkar. Today, Melbourne is home to the largest Hindu temple of the country and during busy festivals like Navratri, Shri Durga Temple at Deanside, hosts thousands of people (except for 2020 due to COVID-19). Pandit Sushil Shastri, a priest at the temple, says the festivities can even give you the illusion that you are in India.

In 2019,  Indian Society in Australia hosted navtri nights In perth where people were dressed up in vibrant traditional attires of Ghagra-choli and Kurta – Pyjama. The delightful event was packed with the Garba fervour and great food. This is also a great time to travel to India, and be a part of the celebrations. Every part of India has a unique and beautiful way of honouring the occasion.

Here are a few Navratri events happening in Australia that might interest you :

Chaitra Navratri Garba

First time in History of Australia, a garba and dandia night proudly organised by GR Group( GR Events & GR Phones). The event is aupporting local and national artist and talents of Sargam Musical Forum. Join them for a blast of fun, dance and music.

When: 17 April 2021

Where : The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre – YMCA ,46 Cowan St, Angle Park SA

Navratri Celebrations 2021

An event curated by Jai Durga Sankirtan Mandal in Adelaide, this is a celebration of Navratri with special performances by kids and Maata ke Darshan (blessings of goddess).

When: 17 April, 2021

Where : Vietnamese Community Centre, 62, Athol Street, Athol Park, SA.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Categories
Events

The Festival of Harvest – Baisakhi

India is renowned globally for its cultural diversity and indeed, it’s the uniqueness of the country, where such countless religions and societies abide in concordance. Even the smallest or the biggest festivals are celebrated with open arms by all religions. Similarly, amidst the rich harvest and across the greenfield, comes the festival of Baisakhi. Also known as Vaisakhi, it is a festival of harvest celebrated in the regions of north India. This is a celebration that additionally denotes the Punjabi New Year and is praised to express appreciation for the great harvest season. Prayers are said for future success and mere gratitude is expressed by all. Lovely fairs are held in the towns in Punjab and the air is one of fellowship and cheer. Celebrated in the Vaisakh (April) month, it also denotes the start of the new spring year. It is a great time to travel to India, and be a part of the exuberant festivities.

Significance of Baisakhi

This festival holds a ton of significance in Punjab as it is overwhelmingly an agricultural state. All things considered, it is commended with a ton of energy and people get up right on time and take a dip in the holy rivers. Baisakhi likewise has a lot of importance for Sikhs, who praise the day as the birthday of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh and the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699. The best and energizing thing about Baisakhi is that it is commended directly in the open fields with lots of bhangra and gidda dance performed by people. Everybody spruces up for the event in the most vivid conventional outfits and the hints of the dhol could be heard all over.

Gurudwaras are beautifully decorated on this occasion and host kirtans. Everyone gathers to share happiness and visit the Golden temple to seek blessings.  After offering prayers, Sikhs usually wear vibrant traditional Indian clothes and take part in parades through the streets. There is singing, dancing and chanting of hymns. This procession is called the Nagar Kirtan.

Baisakhi in Australia

In 2019, Melbourne was decked up and thousands of people assembled to honour the lovely festival of Baisakhi. For the first time ever, Nagar Kirtan event was celebrated at a tremendous scale on the streets, and there was nothing but joyous in the air. The event was organised by the Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council (VSGC) and more than 20,000 sikhs came together to celebrate the heritage and culture of Sikhs traditions.

This year, Sandgate in Brisbane hosted a grand Mela, with dancing, food, activities and music on display. Delicious north Indian dishes were devoured by all and sports such as gatka (Indian martial arts) and volleyball were played. The event was concluded with a stunning fireworks show which lit up the night sky. This is also a great time to travel to India and celebrate the festival in the regions of Punjab.

Check out the video in the link here –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y9ghvkkPbM

Here is an event happening in Australia that might interest you :

Vaisakhi Mela 2021

Victorian Punjabi Swag is hosting a Mela and is calling all ladies to dress up in the best of their colours and put on their dancing shoes. It’s going to be a soiree full of exciting performances, games and food.

When : 25 April 2021

Where : 514 High St, Epping VIC 3076

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/