Diwali festival returns after pandemic
The festival will be hosted by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha as an open air event outside The Globe at Suncoast.
THE Durban Diwali Festival returns on October 15–16 after two years of restrictions under the Covid-19 pandemic. The whole community is invited to attend, and entrance is free.
The festival will be hosted by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha as an open air event outside The Globe at Suncoast.
“The festival has grown beyond just song and dance, with weekend festivities centred on community upliftment and spiritual and cultural awareness. This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Light up our Lives’, which is fitting for this celebration of light that draws people from all walks of life, races, religions and cultures,” said festival director Neeran Besesar.
He is expecting at least 10 000 people to attend the festival, based on previous years’ attendance, before the pandemic.
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“The past three years have been extremely challenging with the wide-ranging impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the social unrest and more recently, the natural disasters that have affected every fabric of our society. Let us come out of this dark phase of our lives and restore the goodness inherent in all of us by lighting up our lives and reaching out in the spirit of togetherness,” said Besesar.
Controlled fireworks
There will be a professional firework display on the beachfront to compliment the celebration. Pravesh Mahabeer of Indian Fireworks said the display will take place in a controlled environment. This is one of three major firework displays Indian Fireworks produces per year, including the India Fair and eThekwini’s New Years’ Eve event.
“The firework display includes specialised items that are not for home use. These are not to be handled by people who are not qualified – these are for huge public display – we brighten up the sky. These fireworks can’t be used unless it’s in a controlled, supervised environment, meeting the safety requirements,” said Mahabeer.
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Festival programme
The DDF will commence on Saturday, October 15 at 08:00 with cultural entertainment and a shopping fair. The programme will include music and dance performances with hits from both Hollywood and Bollywood. Recitals of the Sundarkand will take place on Saturday from 15:00–17:00. The Opening Ceremony will take place at 19:00, followed by the fireworks display at 20:00. Lotus FM will host a bhangra (dance) thereafter. For religious attendees, the on-site temple will offer the opportunity to light a lamp.
The Hawan Ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 16 at 10:00, featuring 108 hawan kunds and priests from all Hindu linguistic groups. Asha Maharaj will be presenting food demonstrations throughout the weekend featuring Diwali treats. There will be an on-site restaurant and a food court featuring Indian street food and fastfood. Those who join the festival will also stand a chance to win giveaways, including a return trip to India for two sponsored by Emirates Airways.
For more information, call the SAHMS office at 031 309 1951, Neeran Besesar at 082 788 5767, or email at info@sahms.org.za. Alternatively, visit the website: www.sahms.org.za or Facebook Page: Durban Diwali Festival.
