King opens palace for Diwali, the ‘great unifying force’
KING Goodwill Zwelithini is opening the doors of his palace in Nongoma for the first time for the Hindu celebration of Diwali as a way of fostering social cohesion.
The event will be held on October 7 in conjunction with the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, which is run by businessman Ishwar Ramlutchman, whom the king regards as a son.
Ramlutchman made the announcement at the 4th Sivananda Memorial Lecture at the Indian Consulate on Thursday.
Speaking to POST later, he described the event as being a historic moment for the country.
Diwali, he said, is a symbol of hope for all South Africans to unite as one nation.
“We need to come together to celebrate the rich heritage that our forefathers have kept alive since they arrived in South Africa in 1860. I salute His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu for celebrating Diwali at the Usuthu Royal Palace. This is a milestone in the history of the Zulu monarch and our country at large. I urge all communities to come join us during this festival.”
King Zwelithini said in a statement: “During Diwali there is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere and this festival brings about unity. It instils charity in the hearts of people, they embrace one another with love and Diwali is a great unifying force.”
He said all South Africans must celebrate Diwali together. “All communities should respect one another despite our religion or nationality. This event is very historic as it’s the first Diwali celebrations that are going to take place at the royal palace. As the monarch, I am delighted to celebrate Diwali together with my people of my Kingdom of KwaZuluNatal, especially my Hindu brothers and sisters.”
The programme, which runs from 2pm to 6pm, includes cultural items from both the Hindu and Zulu communities and a fireworks display.
At the Sivananda lecture, Ramlutchman said that last year the king had visited the Juma Masjid Mosque in Durban, days before Ramadaan. “And look, this year he will celebrating the Festival of Light with us. We can really see the magnitude in which he embraces all the citizens of South Africa.”
For more information on the Diwali event, e-mail sivanandaworldpeace@gmail.com or shiela.ngcobo@kznpremier.gov.za or call 082 882 5053 or 071 915 7266.