“The celebration of Diwali is one way of promoting awareness of the Indian culture to other communities and integrating Indian cultural activities into the broader South African community,” says Jayespri Moopen, Festival Director.
The festival kicks off at 10am with a Havan ceremony. More than 180 artists will participate in the day’s activities. The morning will be filled with vibrant colour, as children create a giant Rangoli, a decorative floor design and enter a clay lamp painting competition.
“The giant Rangoli, a Sanskrit word that means a creative expression of art through the use of colour, will be done on the square for all who attend to paint in colourful powders and share this feeling of togetherness. Rangoli is also an integral part of Diwali celebrations,” explained Moopen.
Entertainment highlights include the Adivasi Sidi Dhamal Goma Dance group from Gujerat. Dhamal is a unique dance form of the Sidi community. Also featured will be the Soweto henna artists and the Soweto Marimba Youth League, as well as Fire dancers and Drummers.
A fireworks display will complete the day’s extensive line –up. This year the spectacular fireworks display is put together by world champion pyrotechnician Bonnie Pon. Other highlights consist of the various dance groups from across the region showcasing their talents as well as a raffle announcement of the four tickets to Dubai from Serendipity tours and an after party hosted by DJ Zuby.
The festival of lights would not be complete without all the various retail and food stalls. The retail stalls offer everything from DVDs and CDs to Indian attire and religious books at special festival prices.
“The Diwali theme of 'The World is One Family' will resonate in the hearts of all who attend the Diwali celebrations through the exciting active and interactive programme of music, dance and songs,” concludes Sinthal Ramiah, President of the Gauteng Branch of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha.
Entrance to the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival is free, so be sure to bring the whole family for a delightful day out.
Ample street parking is available in and around Newtown. Free parking is also available at the driving school area across the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and at the Oriental Plaza from 5pm – with a free shuttle service to and from Mary Fitzgerald Square. Visitors can also park for a minimal fee at 1 Central Place, on the corner of Jeppe and Henry Nxumalo streets in Newtown. Visit www.sahms.org.za for more information.
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha would like to thank the following partners for their invaluable support of the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival: Sutra Magazine
Post, Gauteng Rising Sun, Eastern Mosaic/SABC 2, Serendipity Tours, JYM Sound & Lighting, Thava Indian Restaurant and M TBO, African Mediums Advertising
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