Diwali: a time for family
CRAB curry cooked on an open fire. Check. Masala Breyani. Check. Eastern outfits. Check. Family. Double check. That’s the checklist of former television news anchor Vanessa Tedder, who is excited about sharing Diwali with both her family and that of her husband.
“It is a big thing for us. David’s parents and sister are going to be joining the Diwali celebrations at my sister’s home in Westville and it is going to be lots of family fun. They have openly accepted and are keen to participate in the festivities.”
Her husband, David Tedder, 45, owner of the Bread Ahead franchise in Cowey Road, Morningside, said he was grateful for the invitation.
“It’s a two-way street. Vanessa is a practising Hindu and I respect her culture and so does my family. Even though they are Christians they are tolerant and this has been the case since Vanessa and I met.”
David quickly owns up that curry is, indeed, his favourite food and he enjoys Vanessa’s lamb curry.
“I spent my first Diwali with Vanessa’s family last year, and apart from the lovely food there is a real sense of family. I also enjoy watching the kids running around having fun.”
Vanessa quips: “Diwali is just another great excuse to be with family.”
Raised in a traditional Hindu home, Vanessa, 37, said Diwali was never about new clothes or fancy fireworks.
“We were raised in a poor home and we did not have the money to get new clothes every year. When there was money I would get new clothes, being the youngest of two sisters.
“But what I remember most is the meals we enjoyed together as a family, and those are the memories I cherish to this day.”
Two-year-old Nevan Gabriel is bouncing around playing with sparklers and wearing an eastern outfit his aunt bought for him on her recent trip to India.
“He has quite a few (eastern outfits) and will certainly be wearing it. The fabric can be a bit scratchy for kids, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Vanessa said she felt it was important to expose her son to both her and David’s cultures.
“He is a child of mixed heritage and his existence epitomises democracy. I want him to learn everything about the culture, but nothing will be forced on to him.”
The couple met on Twitter almost four years ago. They fell in love and were married within six months, earning David the nickname “Hurricane David” from Govender’s sister.
“He commented on one of the stories I had done, we got chatting and were married in six months.”
The couple, who claim to still be in a “honeymoon phase”, had a non-denominational wedding. Vanessa wore traditional eastern wear and the couple exchanged vows at a temple.
While being a full-time mother to Nevan keeps Vanessa on her toes, writing is still in her blood and she does freelance work.
“I am currently looking for people’s interpretations of curry by travelling and writing about my experiences. I can safely say Durban has the best offering.”
This week, though, she will trying her hand at a tiramasu dessert which be served for Diwali.
eThekwini Speaker Logie Naidoo, known for his colourful outfits, is looking forward to putting his best foot forward. “I am keeping it simple and will be wearing a white kurta with Swarovski diamanté.”
Naidoo is looking forward to eating a “traditional crab curry” prepared by his wife Jeevie.
“My mom, who just turned 82, will join us along with my sister. We will begin the day with a three-oil bath which is a childhood tradition.”
Naidoo said the evening would end with the bursting of fireworks.
His message: “It is a time for spiritual renewal and for people to show compassion.”
Mela presenter and comedian Jailoshini Naidoo will be flying to Gauteng to spend Diwali with her parents and siblings.
“We are just excited about getting together as a family enjoying meals, having fun and bursting fireworks with the kids.”
Known for her glamorous outfits, Naidoo said this year she opted for a contemporary Eastern outfit.
Her most memorable Diwali still remains growing up in Chatsworth.
“It was a neighbourhood affair. My siblings and I would wake early and couldn’t wait to wear our new outfits and deliver parcels to the neighbours – and wish the rain would go away so we could burst fireworks. Those days were the best.”