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13 MARCH, 2024
Vibrant hues for Holi Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colour, known for its exuberant display of love, respect, and vibrant hues, is set to illuminate Wyndham again on Saturday March 23. The Wyndham Holi event at Presidents Park will run from 1pm to 9pm and feature an array of events, including a colour run, fireworks, music and dance performances and food stalls. Bolly Holi at Point Cook Pop-up Park takes place from 12.30pm to 5.30pm and also offers cultural performances and a DJ and dance party. Appearing at both events will be the ABCD Bollywood Dance School. Shweta Pandya, the founder and director of the school, said “We’re really looking forward to reuniting with loved ones, friends and family and engaging in the joyful tradition of playing Holi”. Holi celebrations will then continue on Sunday March 24 with the Soho Holi event at Point Cook, where participants can immerse themselves in the festivities. Holi is considered the most significant holiday on the Hindu calendar and is held each year in March or late February to mark the end of the Indian winter and the beginning of spring. Shweta Pandya from ABCD Dance School which will perform at Holi colour festival events in Wyndham on March 23. (Damjan Janevski) 393150_01
Vigil for Point Cook mum By Cade Lucas A vigil is being planned for this weekend to commemorate the life of Point Cook woman Chaithanya ‘Swetha’ Madhagani, whose body was found on a roadside near Winchelsea on Saturday. The 30 year old mother’s remains were discovered in a green waste bin left on the side of Mount Pollock Road, 37 kilometres west of Geelong, just after noon on March 9. Soon after the discovery, police established a second crime scene outside Ms Madhagani’s home in Mirka Way, Point Cook, which she shared with her husband Ashok Raj
Varikuppala and their three year old son Arya. Police are treating Ms Madhagani’s death as suspicious and believe the two parties were known to one another and the offender may have fled overseas. Mr Varikuppala and and Arya are believed to have left for India in the days prior to the discovery. Raja Ramesh Reddy first met Ms Madhagani when she worked at an Indian sweets store in Hoppers Crossing and last spoke to her at a kids sporting event on Saturday March 2, a week before her body was discovered. “It’s devastating,” he said of the impact her death has had on the local Telangana
community they were both a part of. “It’s very hard to comprehend this type of brutal act. This is not what our community stands for or any human being should stand for.” Mr Reddy said a vigil was being organised for this weekend with details to be released soon. Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera and Point Cook MP Mathew Hilakarai were among the local dignitaries to express their shock and grief at the news of Ms Madhagani death. Both Ms Madhagani and her husband emigrated to Australia from the southern Indian city of Hyerabad about a decade ago.
While Ms Madhagani worked in customer service, her husband was until recently an employee of Coles in Sanctuary Lakes and is also believed to have also operated his own solar business. It’s believed Mr Varikuppala and his son have returned to Hyderabad. Media reports have quoted local police as saying they believe Mr Varikuppala has left Arya with in-laws and has since disappeared. Victoria Police would provide no further comment. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
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