Several solemn gatherings will be held in Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin and Sydney this weekend to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, including Hindu tourists, were brutally killed earlier this week.
The Indian-Australian community, deeply shocked by the targeted violence, has called for peaceful assemblies to pay tribute to the lives lost and stand in solidarity with the victims’ families.
1- Melbourne Vigil at Federation Square: Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 PM
Members of the community will gather at Federation Square in Melbourne. Organisers are urging people to attend in large numbers as a collective response to what they describe as an “inhumane and targeted act of terrorism.” The vigil aims to raise awareness about the repeated targeting of minorities in the Kashmir Valley and demand justice for the victims.
2- Sydney Prayer and Condolence Meeting in Wentworthville
On Sunday, April 27, at 7:00 PM, a prayer meeting and shradhanjali (condolence gathering) will take place at the Redgum Function Centre in Wentworthville, Sydney. Attendees are requested to arrive by 6:30 PM. Organisers say the event will be a moment of reflection and remembrance, where prayers will be offered for the departed souls and support extended to their families.
3- Perth vigil to honour Pahalgam victims and raise awareness against extremism
A community-led condolence gathering will be held in Perth, Western Australia, to pay tribute to the Hindu victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Organised by the Durga Shakti Organisation and supported by multiple Indian-Australian community groups.
The vigil will occur on April 27, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the Indian Community Centre, 12 Whyalla Street, Willetton. The vigil aims not only to mourn the lives lost in what organisers describe as a targeted terrorist attack but also to raise awareness about safeguarding families from extremist ideologies.
4- Shree Ganesha Temple in Bridgewater, Hobart: Sunday, April 27, 2025,
They will host a solemn “Shraddhanjali” prayer ceremony at 1:30 PM to honour the innocent Hindus killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Organised as a gesture of unity and remembrance, the event invites community members for a five-minute silent prayer, with no speeches, only silence and reflection.
Several Indian-Australian organisations, including the All Indians Association Inc. Australia, Hindu Society of Tasmania, Hindu Council Australia, and Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha Association Inc. Australia, are supporting the vigil, which is a gathering of people in solidarity and peace.
5- Canberra community to hold a candlelight vigil: Sunday, April 27 at 4:00 PM at Shanti Niketan Hall, 81 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey
A candlelight vigil will be held on Sunday, April 27 at 4:00 PM at Shanti Niketan Hall, 81 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey, in support of the victims of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. Organised under the message “United for Peace, Standing Against Terrorism,” the vigil aims to bring the community together in solidarity and remembrance of the innocent lives lost.
Attendees are invited to join in a peaceful reflection against violence. For more information, organisers can be contacted at 0400 101 825 or 0407 245 525.
Widespread Condemnation
In a show of unity, almost two dozen Indian-Australian organisations — representing various faith, cultural, and community groups — have issued joint statements condemning the attack.
Many of them have described the incident as “an assault on humanity” and have called on Australian leaders and the global community to acknowledge and denounce the growing threat of religiously-motivated terrorism in South Asia.
“These were innocent civilians, targeted for their faith,” one joint statement read.
“The international community must stand with the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.”
The events are expected to draw participants from across Victoria and New South Wales and Western Australia, including local leaders, faith groups, and multicultural representatives. Organisers say the gatherings are peaceful and inclusive, and are intended to stand firmly against hatred and in favour of harmony.
Community members are encouraged to bring candles and flowers.
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