Making the most of the Durban Diwali Festival

THE 20th annual Durban Diwali Festival, hosted by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha at the old Durban Drive-in site, celebrated yet another year of successful festivities at the weekend.

Over time, the festival has developed beyond song and dance, with weekend festivities also centred on community upliftment and spiritual and cultural awareness.

An array of festivities were on offer, with patrons making the most of shopping, food and entertainment. The highlights included the on-site prayer and religious ceremonies, the float procession through the Durban CBD, grand fireworks displays, public interactions with members of the SA cricket team, hosted by and an array of music and dance events.

Dashnee Naidoo, of Richards Bay, said her family have been travelling to Durban for the festival for the past five years.

“This year, we booked into a local hotel and made a weekend of it.”

Vinay Harilall, of Verulam, and his family have been selling snacks – including spicy pineapple, bor, figs and masala mango – at the fest since 2007.

“The festival gives recognition to all and provides opportunities for local and family businesses to be part of the festivities,” he said.

Renash Bansilall and his team, from the Glendale Hindu Sath Sangh Sabha, were ecstatic at the opportunity to host a float, during the float ceremony, for the first time.

“Our float featured youth characters of the Ramayan, with live devotional songs. We thoroughly enjoyed being in the festival float procession, joining in and making our way through the streets of Durban.”

PICTURES: SIBUSISO NDLOVU/ AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA) LEFT: Enjoying the float procession, were a group from the Glendale Hindu Sath Sangh Sabha.

RIGHT: Queenie Pon andPrince Ndlova cook a Chinese feast at their stall.

LEFT: Nishal Ramdu and Keshni Govender serving some of the tasty food on offer at Indian Delights on-site restaurant.

RIGHT: Little ones could enjoy fun in the sun with the varied entertainment that was on offer, including a fun fair with awesome rides. Lameez and Taaliah Govender, from North Beach, made the most of a rocket ride.

LEFT: Day and night shopping markets afforded many the opportunity to get some lastminute Diwali shopping done. Customer, Dashnee Naidoo (holding dress), is assisted by Aqsa Mechant, whose family were managing a clothing stall at the festival.