King celebrates Diwali

This weekend His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekhuZulu, in association with the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, will host the second annual Diwali festival at KwaNongoma.

The event, supported by philanthropist and founder of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation , Ishwar Ramlutchman will take place on Saturday from 2pm to 6pm at the Osuthu Royal Palace.

King Goodwill Zwelithini has welgious comed the celebration and said Diwali was a great unifying force in the country’s new democracy, contributing to our rainbow nation of various races, cultures, linguistic, ethnic and religious groups.

‘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.

His Majesty has highlighted that ‘we are South Africans and that we all must celebrate Diwali together as one nation’ and these events highlight social cohesion.

‘All communities should respect one another despite our religion or nationality.

‘As the monarch, I am delighted to celebrate Diwali together with my people of my kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal, especially my hindu brothers and sisters.

His Majesty has in the past years attended Diwali celebrations in Richards Bay.

This year, community members from Ladysmith, Johannesburg, Phoenix, Chatsworth, Stanger and Richards Bay will be attending and the Khoisan community is also going to join in the celebrations.

Ramlutchman said there will be many cultural items presented from both the Hindu community and the Zulu community and Sri Kanann Veeramani and troupe from Chennai India, Deshan Styler Naidoo and Siyanda Mhlaba will be among artists performing during this historic event.

There is a fireworks display and guests can enjoy a spread of Indian vegetarian cuisine that will be presented on that day.

For enquiries contact - sivanandaworldpeace@gmail.com or shiela.ngcobo@kznpremier.gov.za