SA India Day Carnival set to provide a vibrant family festival experience for Mzansi this August
JOBURG – With food, music, and dance, the carnival promises to be a highlight on the Joburg calendar.
South Africans are set to join global audiences on 10 August as India celebrates its 72nd anniversary of independence. This year’s festival organiser, India Club SA is pulling out all the stops to create a carnival experience that celebrates India’s 72 years and South Africa’s 25 years of freedom.
The festival is rapidly growing into an integrated South African Indian carnival that welcomes all South Africans to come together in creating a memorable experience of their Independence Day.
“Our vision is about creating a platform for various cultures from our two countries to come together and showcase the integration of cultural diversity. We want to build a narrative around the Indian culture and how it is celebrated in South Africa and to expose this culture to other communities; to educate and inform them about the Indian cultures,” said India Club SA vice president, John Francis.
Arts, culture, cuisine and an array of live events are planned including performances by over 300 artists and a fashion show. From the Cape Malay koeksister to Turkish baklava and Indian butter chicken, this year sees a much more inclusive programme of diverse cultures.
The one-day event will not only celebrate Indian cuisine in a food market that offers a taste of India’s many signature dishes but will host a Turkish food market and showcase the Cape Malay food culture whose distinctive flavours are highly sought-after throughout SA.
“We hope to create a new platform for small businesses and to link small businesses to companies outside of the community, allowing them to network and market in a different space,” Francis said.
SA Club India has also partnered with the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) to create a space where blood donations can be made. Donors will be able to make a deposit and support the SANBS with their drive. They aim to collect an average of 3 000 units of blood every day nationally. With thousands of patrons expected to attend the free SA India Carnival, organisers are hoping to help the SANBS reach more donors.
“The Carnival promises to be a highlight on the Joburg calendar, and we want to convey a message to the world that when diverse cultures come together it gives us an ocean of love, peace and harmony,” Francis said.
