Don’t miss Diwali festival
The Durban Diwali Festival will light up Durban next weekend.
AS Hindus around the world get ready to celebrate the festival of lights, the Durban Diwali Festival (DDF) 2016 promises to welcome Diwali 2016 with a bang.
Preparations for DDF are well under way at the South Africa Hindu Maha Sabha, who together with their affiliates, have complied a full programme that the festival has become famous for.
Evolving to what has become the biggest Diwali festival on the African continent, the DDF has grown beyond just song and dance, with weekend festivities centred on community upliftment and spiritual and cultural awareness. Recognising the principles of Hinduism and the symbolism of Diwali, the theme for the 2016 DDF is Racism Stops with Me – Vasudaivam Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
The DDF will kick off on Friday, 21 October, with a senior citizens’ afternoon, where the elderly will be treated with entertainment, treats and gift hampers.
On Saturday morning, 22 October, the colourful floats parade, will line the streets of the Durban CBD, proceeding to the old Durban drive-in. There are 25 floats participating and the public is invited to be a part of the parade. DDF will then officially open with the prayer at the on-site mandhir. The day will be filled with the best local cultural entertainment South Africa has to offer.
The famous fireworks display will follow the opening ceremony, lighting the Durban skyline with the magic of Diwali. The Lotus FM Bhangra is not to be missed, with DJs promising to play the latest music hits.
The Hawan Ceremony on Sunday will unite the Hindu community in prayer, featuring 108 hawan kunds and priests from all linguistic groups. Everyone is invited to participate and all the hawan supplies are provided free of charge.
The festival also hosts school children for a special cultural programme. Children will be well occupied by clowns, children’s activities and face painting in the Kiddies Corner. There will also be a fun fair for the young at heart.
The DDF will be held at the old Durban drive in site at 267 Sylvester Ntuli Road, Durban. Entrance is free.
Contact Neeran Besesar on 082 788 5767, visit: www.sahms.org.za, the Facebook page “Durban Diwali Festival” or follow on twitter at @SAHinduMahaSabha for recent updates.
