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Bangladesh Victory Over Nepal

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

Bangladesh clinched victory over Nepal with a 2-1 score in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 final. Held at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, this thrilling match saw Bangladesh’s Shamsunnahar and Srimoti Krishnarani Sarkar both score to secure their country’s win. Nepal’s Anita Basnet managed to score in the 70th minute, but it wasn’t enough to turn the game around.

This marks Bangladesh’s second SAFF Women’s Championship title, solidifying their growing presence in South Asian women’s football. The win was a disappointment for Nepal, who, despite home support and a strong performance, finished as runners-up once again .

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CelebrationsFeaturedMelbourne

Best Time for Diwali Laxmi Puja 2024 Melbourne

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne 4 MIN read

Diwali, the joyous Festival of Lights, is a significant celebration dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. On this special day, families come together to perform Lakshmi Puja, a ritual believed to invite blessings of abundance, happiness, and well-being. In 2024, Lakshmi Puja will take place on Friday, November 1, and is celebrated as the primary day of Diwali.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Melbourne

Timing is essential for Lakshmi Puja to maximize the blessings received. In Melbourne, the Shubh Muhurat for Lakshmi Puja falls in the evening during Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal:

Deepavali Lagna Puja on Friday, November 1, 2024

Vrishchika Lagna Muhurat (morning) – 07:02 AM to 08:53 AM

Duration – 01 Hour 50 Mins

Kumbha Lagna Muhurat (afternoon) – 01:38 PM to 04:06 PM

Duration – 02 Hours 28 Mins

Vrishabha Lagna Muhurat (evening) – 09:03 PM to 11:26 PM

Duration – 02 Hours 24 Mins

Amavasya Tithi Begins – 09:22 PM on Oct 31, 2024

Amavasya Tithi Ends – 11:46 PM on Nov 01, 2024

It’s ideal to start Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, and the specific Muhurat from 9:03 PM to 9:58 PM is considered the most auspicious for performing the rituals.

Lakshmi Puja Mantras

Chanting mantras during Lakshmi Puja adds spiritual energy and enhances devotion. Here are three powerful mantras for invoking Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings:

  1. Lakshmi Beej Mantra

– ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मीभयो नमः

– _Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah_

  1. Mahalakshmi Mantra

– ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्मयै नमः

– _Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah_

  1. Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra

– ॐ श्री महालक्ष्यै च विद्महे विष्णु पन्यै च धीमहि तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात् ॐ

– _Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om_

Preparations and Rituals for Lakshmi Puja

The rituals begin in the morning, as devotees prepare to welcome the Goddess into their homes.

  1. Morning Preparations: Devotees wake early, offering prayers to their ancestors as part of the Amavasya observance.
  2. Home Cleaning and Decoration: Cleaning symbolizes purification, and homes are decorated with marigold flowers, Ashoka leaves, banana leaves, and mango leaves to welcome the Goddess.
  3. Creating Rangoli: Colorful Rangolis at the entrance invite good fortune. The entrance is also adorned with Manglik Kalash, which are pots topped with unpeeled coconuts, symbolizing prosperity and protection.

Items Needed for Lakshmi Puja

– Roli (red powder for tilak)

– Akshat (uncooked rice grains)

– Puja Thali (offering plate)

– Flower garlands

– Dhoop sticks (incense)

– Scent or perfume

– Idols/photos of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswati

– Red cloth, chowki (small platform), supari (betel nuts), coriander seeds, cotton seeds, lotus seeds, dry turmeric, a silver coin, sweets, and currency notes.

Step-by-Step Guide for Performing Lakshmi Puja

  1. Set Up the Puja Area: Cover a small platform with a red cloth and place the idols or photos of Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Ganesha. Place three small heaps of rice before Goddess Lakshmi, representing Lord Vishnu, Kuber (wealth), and Indra (prosperity).
  2. Invoke Lord Ganesha: Begin by lighting a lamp and dhoop stick. Apply a tilak of roli and akshat on Ganesha’s forehead, and offer flowers, sweets, and a lamp to seek his blessings for a smooth Puja.
  3. Worship Goddess Lakshmi: Offer roli, rice, flowers, dhoop, sweets, and a lamp to Lakshmi, along with coriander seeds, cotton seeds, dry turmeric, a silver coin, currency notes, and lotus seeds as symbols of wealth.
  4. Prayers to Other Deities:

– Lord Vishnu for well-being and support.

– Lord Kuber for wealth.

– Lord Indra for prosperity.

  1. Worship Goddess Saraswati: Apply tilak on her forehead and offer flowers, sweets, and a lamp, seeking wisdom and knowledge.
  2. Conclude the Puja: Finish with an Aarti dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, singing her praises to invite her blessings for the upcoming year. You may also recite the mantra “Shreem Swaha” 108 times for added spiritual significance.

DOWNLOAD LAXMI PUJA MANTRAS AND VIDIS

Diwali Festival Calendar Highlights

The Diwali festival includes several important days, each with its own cultural significance:

– Day 1: Govatsa Dwadashi, Vasu Baras

– Day 2: Dhanteras, Dhanvantari Trayodashi

– Day 3: Yama Deepam, Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaturdashi

– Day 4: Diwali Main Day – Lakshmi Puja

– Day 5: Gowardhan Puja, Gujarati New Year

– Day 6: Bhaiya Dooj (celebrating sibling bonds)

Lakshmi Puja on Diwali brings together families in Melbourne and worldwide, inviting blessings of wealth, happiness, and prosperity into their lives for the year ahead.

 

 

 

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CelebrationsFeaturedLifestyle

Dhanteras 2024 in Melbourne : Muhurat

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities, celebrated by Hindus worldwide as a day dedicated to wealth, prosperity, and good health. This year, Dhanteras falls on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, with the Dhanteras Puja Muhurat set in Melbourne from 09:14 PM to 09:56 PM, a span of 42 minutes that offers an auspicious window to perform rituals.

 Dhanteras Puja Muhurat in Melbourne

Timing is crucial in the Dhanteras Puja to ensure maximum blessings. Observing it during the specified Muhurat allows devotees to invoke wealth and protection for the upcoming year. Here are the key timings for Melbourne:

    • Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 09:14 PM to 09:56 PM (Duration: 42 mins)
    • Pradosh Kaal: 07:52 PM to 09:56 PM
    • Vrishabha Kaal: 09:14 PM to 11:38 PM
    • Trayodashi Tithi: Begins at 04:01 PM on October 29, Ends at 06:45 PM on October 30

 The Significance and History of Dhanteras

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, has deep historical and cultural roots in Hinduism. It is observed on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Kartik. This day is associated with the legend of Dhanvantari, the divine physician and the god of Ayurveda, who emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of amrit (elixir of immortality) during the churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan.

In Hindu culture, Dhanteras is also linked to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that performing rituals on Dhanteras brings health and wealth to the household and ensures prosperity for the year ahead. People worship Lakshmi and Dhanvantari on this day, symbolizing both material and spiritual well-being.

 How People Celebrate Dhanteras

Dhanteras is celebrated with joy and devotion, with rituals focusing on health, prosperity, and long life.

  1. Buying Gold, Silver, and Utensils

   – One of the most well-known traditions on Dhanteras is buying items made of precious metals like gold and silver. This is believed to bring luck and attract wealth. In addition to jewelry, many people also buy new utensils or household items, symbolizing prosperity and abundance in the home.

  1. Dhanteras Puja Rituals

   – During the Muhurat, families gather to perform the Dhanteras Puja, which typically includes lighting lamps, offering flowers, and placing sweets in front of idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. The lamps are kept lit throughout the night to ward off any negative energy and invite positive influences into the home.

  1. Yama Deepam

   – On Dhanteras evening, it is customary to light a special oil lamp known as the Yama Deepam outside the home, specifically facing south. This is done to appease Lord Yama, the god of death, and is believed to protect family members from untimely death and misfortunes. The tradition of Yama Deepam reflects the belief in longevity and protection from negative energies.

  1. Home Decoration

   – Homes are thoroughly cleaned, and entrances are adorned with rangolis (decorative patterns made with colored powders) and marigold flowers. Doors and windows are decorated with mango leaves and marigold garlands, symbolizing purity and readiness to welcome the Goddess of Wealth.

  1. Prayers and Offerings

   – Families set up a puja area with idols or pictures of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. Offerings typically include sweets, fruits, flowers, and incense. Devotees recite prayers and chants, invoking blessings for health and prosperity. Traditional sweets are also prepared and shared with family members and guests.

 Cultural Significance of Dhanteras in Diwali Festivities

As the first day of the Diwali celebrations, Dhanteras sets the stage for the days to come, emphasizing the themes of wealth, health, and the triumph of light over darkness. It is a time for people to come together in gratitude for what they have and to seek blessings for the future. For many Hindu families, especially in Melbourne, Dhanteras is a moment to strengthen cultural connections and celebrate the values of health and prosperity as a community.

Dhanteras traditions, from purchasing precious metals to lighting the Yama Deepam, underscore the timeless values of Hinduism that emphasize prosperity, well-being, and divine protection. In the hustle and bustle of city life, Dhanteras offers a chance for families in Melbourne to pause, reflect, and welcome the abundance and blessings of the festive season.

Deepavali Lagna Puja on Friday, November 1, 2024

Vrishchika Lagna Muhurat (morning) – 07:02 AM to 08:53 AM

Duration – 01 Hour 50 Mins

Kumbha Lagna Muhurat (afternoon) – 01:38 PM to 04:06 PM

Duration – 02 Hours 28 Mins

Vrishabha Lagna Muhurat (evening) – 09:03 PM to 11:26 PM

Duration – 02 Hours 24 Mins

Amavasya Tithi Begins – 09:22 PM on Oct 31, 2024

Amavasya Tithi Ends – 11:46 PM on Nov 01, 2024

Muhurat Time table taken from drikpanchang

 

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AustraliaFeaturedMelbourne

Safer Exchange Zones for Online Purchases Rolled Out at 35 Police Stations Across Victoria

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

In an effort to provide safer environments for online marketplace transactions, special zones have been established outside 35 24-hour police stations across Victoria. These Safer Exchange Sites offer a secure alternative for buyers and sellers to meet when exchanging items purchased online, avoiding riskier locations like homes, parks, or carparks.

The exchange zones, located outside police stations, are equipped with CCTV coverage, clear signage, and good lighting. This initiative follows a successful trial launched in mid-2022 at several 24-hour police stations in Melbourne’s northeast. During the trial, police observed a decrease in thefts and robberies linked to online sales, and more people were seen using the designated exchange sites.

The concept was introduced after a rise in robberies, thefts, and assaults related to online trading, particularly peaking in 2020 before COVID-19 lockdowns. Smartphones are among the most common high-value items targeted in these incidents. Though the offending slowed during the pandemic, Victoria Police implemented the Safer Exchange Sites to prevent these crimes from resurging.

The initiative has proven popular in the United States, where online marketplaces continue to grow in popularity. Users report feeling safer when meeting at designated locations with security measures such as lighting and CCTV.

Commander Tim Tully from Victoria Police said:

“While the overall number of assaults, thefts, and robberies connected to online exchanges is low, we don’t want to see any occur.
With the popularity of buying and selling items via online marketplaces continuing to grow, this initiative is all about police getting on the front foot to ensure an emerging crime theme doesn’t become an embedded trend.”

Police also recommend that people meeting for exchanges consider additional safety measures, such as meeting during daylight hours and bringing a friend along.

24-hour Police Stations with Safer Exchange Sites

Metropolitan
– Altona
– Broadmeadows
– Caulfield
– Craigieburn
– Dandenong
– Fawkner
– Heidelberg*
– Melbourne East
– Melbourne North
– Melbourne West
– Melton
– Mernda*
– Mill Park*
– Moonee Ponds
– Moorabbin
– Mooroolbark
– Pakenham
– Prahran
– Preston*
– Richmond
– St Kilda
– Werribee

Regional
– Bacchus Marsh
– Ballarat
– Bendigo
– Castlemaine
– Corio
– Echuca
– Geelong
– Horsham
– Maryborough
– Mildura
– Morwell
– Swan Hill
– Warrnambool

(Part of the original trial sites.)

For more information, visit your nearest 24-hour police station.

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FeaturedMelbourneScience and Tech

Telstra and Optus will turn off their 3G networks from Today

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

Since 2019, Australia’s mobile providers have been planning to shut down their 3G networks to enhance the performance of 4G and 5G services. This change is fast approaching, with Telstra and Optus set to turn off their 3G networks on 28 October 2024. Vodafone has already deactivated its 3G network.

If you’re in Victoria and still using a 3G phone or certain older 4G devices, you need to take action to stay connected. This shutdown could affect not only mobile phones but also devices like personal medical alarms, smartwatches, and home security systems.

What’s at Risk?

  • 3G phones will no longer work once the shutdown happens.
  • Some 4G devices, especially older models or those bought overseas, might lose the ability to make voice calls.
  • A specific group of 4G devices may still function for calls and data but may be unable to make emergency calls to Triple Zero. This poses a major risk as users may only discover the issue during an emergency.

What Should You Do?

If your mobile provider has informed you that your device will be impacted, it’s important to contact them for advice and take necessary steps to upgrade or adjust your device. To check if your phone is affected, you can visit the following links or use the SMS service:

Important Reminder

Do not call Triple Zero to test your device. Instead, send a text message with the word ‘3’ to 3498 to find out if your mobile phone is impacted by the switch-off.

Watch Out for Scams

Stay alert to potential scams. Always use trusted information from your mobile service provider when checking your device.

This news is sourced from Department of Infrastructure

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Victoria Police Seize One of the Largest Cannabis Hauls in State History
FeaturedMelbourne

Victoria Police Seize One of the Largest Cannabis Hauls in State History

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

Detectives from the Major Drug Squad (MDS) have seized more than 6,000 cannabis plants in one of the largest busts in Victoria’s recent history. The operation took place in regional Victoria, where police uncovered a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis set-up valued at over $26 million.

On the morning of Tuesday, 22 October, officers from the MDS, supported by the Morwell Divisional Response Unit and local uniformed officers, executed a search warrant at a rural property on Koonwarra Inverloch Road in Leongatha South. Upon entering the premises, police discovered several commercial-sized greenhouses filled with cannabis plants, ranging from seedlings to fully mature specimens. The total weight of the plants was estimated at 1.7 tonnes.

Five individuals—four men and one woman, all Vietnamese nationals aged between 25 and 54—were arrested at the scene. They have since been charged with cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis. The accused were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 7 March 2025.

Major Drug Squad Detective Acting Inspector Leemara Fairgrieve highlighted the significance of the operation, stating, “This is one of the most significant and complex cannabis hydroponic set-ups we have seen in recent times. Drugs are a major driver of crime, and this investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to combatting the illicit substances trade in Victoria.”

The seizure is seen as a major victory in the ongoing fight against organized drug crime in the region, underscoring Victoria Police’s focus on reducing the harmful impact of drugs on local communities.

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AustraliaFeatured

Western Australia Leads Nation in Population Growth, Surpassing 3 Million Residents

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

Western Australia has emerged as the fastest-growing state in the country, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The state’s population has now exceeded 3 million residents, with immigration playing a significant role in this rapid expansion.

In the past year alone, net overseas migration, which measures the difference between arrivals and departures, brought 64,902 new residents to Western Australia. This influx accounted for nearly 75 percent of the state’s total population increase. Over the last 12 months, Western Australia’s population swelled by 90,000 people, representing a 3.1 percent growth rate—the highest of any state in the nation.

Following Western Australia, Victoria posted the second-highest growth rate at 2.7 percent, adding 184,000 new residents. Queensland experienced a 2.5 percent increase, while New South Wales saw a 2 percent rise. The Australian Capital Territory grew by 1.8 percent, with South Australia and Tasmania recording more modest increases of 1.5 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively.

Migration remained the key factor driving population growth across all states and territories, except for the Northern Territory, where births were the primary contributor to a 0.8 percent population increase.

On a national scale, Australia’s population grew by 2.3 percent, now exceeding 27 million people. The surge in population in Western Australia has sparked discussions about whether the state’s infrastructure is equipped to handle the demands of this rapid growth.

In response, Premier Roger Cook has outlined plans to mirror Queensland’s strategy by transforming more regional towns into key hubs and small cities, aiming to alleviate the pressure on urban centers and ensure sustainable development for the future. The focus will be on creating regional infrastructure to support new residents and encourage further economic growth in these emerging areas.

As Western Australia continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the challenge remains in balancing population expansion with adequate infrastructure and resources to maintain the quality of life that residents have come to expect.

News sourced and summarised from 9News

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FeaturedImmigration

Children born and ordinarily resident in Australia no longer required to pass visa medicals

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

Visa medicals play a critical role in Australia’s migration system, being a requirement for almost all visa applications under the general public interest criteria (PIC). These criteria encompass health and character assessments, with specific PICs applied depending on the visa type. For example, exclusion criteria like overstaying a visa (PIC 4014) or having a visa cancelled for specific reasons (PIC 4013) usually don’t apply to permanent visas.

The health requirements under PIC 4005 and 4007 are applicable to most visas. These are designed to ensure that Australia’s public health system isn’t unduly burdened. Both criteria require that applicants are free from tuberculosis and any other disease or condition that:

– Could pose a threat to public health or safety in Australia.
– Might result in significant healthcare costs or impact access to health or community services for Australian citizens or permanent residents.

The key difference between PIC 4005 and 4007 is that under 4007, a health waiver may be available. This allows applicants to still meet the requirement despite having a condition that would normally result in significant costs or service access issues.

As of today, new legislative changes apply to applications that have not yet been finalized, including those under review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Children born and ordinarily residing in Australia can no longer be denied a visa under PIC 4005 or 4007 based on any disability or health condition they may have. This change is a response to the Disability Royal Commission’s findings, which criticized the previous regulations as discriminatory towards Australian-born minor visa applicants.

Importantly, this revision impacts the “one fail, all fail” rule, where previously, if one applicant in a group failed the medical requirement, all applicants were refused. Now, families will benefit from this amendment, though children born and ordinarily residing in Australia will still need to undergo visa medicals.

Access downloadable documents for version effective 15 October 2024

Legislative instrument
Explanatory statement
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CricketSports

Ravichandran Ashwin surpasses Nathan Lyon, takes 531 wickets in Test cricket milestone

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

Ravichandran Ashwin claimed two crucial wickets as New Zealand reached 92-2 by lunch on the first day of the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

With impressive figures of 2-33 from 12 overs, Ashwin not only disrupted New Zealand’s progress but also carved out another significant milestone in his illustrious career. The Indian spinner surpassed Australian Nathan Lyon to become the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.

Ashwin’s remarkable performance also bolstered his standing in the World Test Championship (WTC), where he now holds the record for the most wickets, with a total of 189, surpassing Lyon’s 187. As he eyes another milestone, Ashwin is just two wickets away from achieving his 38th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, which would see him surpass Shane Warne, who accomplished the feat 37 times.

This achievement highlights Ashwin’s consistency and adaptability in a format that requires tremendous skill, particularly in home conditions.

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Nepal

Minister Pandey Urges Enhancements in Airlines for Better Travel Experience!

by Namaste Melbourne
written by Namaste Melbourne

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving Nepal’s airlines sector and solving its long-standing issues. Speaking at a press conference on the 100-day achievements of the ministry, Pandey highlighted the formation of a committee to identify and resolve problems in Nepal Airlines, ensuring reliable services for passengers.

Pandey also shared that a bill to restructure the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal into a regulatory and service provider body has been introduced. The ministry has approved an action plan offering concessions and incentives to airlines operating from Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport, with Jazeera Airways and Fly Dubai set to begin new international flights in November.

In addition, the minister announced efforts to revise bilateral air service agreements with France and initiate discussions with Indonesia. The ministry has also launched an investigation into the crash of Saurya Airlines and aims to implement recommendations from the probe.

The Tourism Bill and amendments to the Casino Regulations and Mountaineering Regulations have been submitted to the Cabinet. The ministry has also opened 57 new mountains for climbing and enhanced online services for climbing permits and hotel management.

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Telstra and Optus will turn off their 3G networks from Today
Victoria Police Seize One of the Largest Cannabis Hauls in State History
Western Australia Leads Nation in Population Growth, Surpassing 3 Million Residents
Children born and ordinarily resident in Australia no longer required to pass visa medicals

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