The Durban Diwali Festival, organised by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, is set to take place at the Suncoast parking site this weekend in the lead-up to Diwali. The event runs from today, Friday November 3, to Sunday November 5 and offers a diverse range of activities and performances for families to enjoy.
Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday November 12.
The festival kicked off today at 2pm with entertainment in the main tent, featuring dancing, movies, a live show-band, and comedy.
On Saturday morning at 9am, there will be a yoga session, followed by a series of performances featuring Bollywood songs and dance. The formal opening ceremony will take place at 7pm, followed by an 8pm fireworks display and a Lotus FM bhangra.
Sunday's schedule includes a hawan at 10am, which aims to bring the Hindu community together in prayer and will feature pundits and gurus from various Indian linguistic groups. The event will also include devotional songs (bhajans) and a special recital of the Ram Katha at 12.30pm. In the afternoon, from 3pm to 4pm, there will be a lively garba dance session, followed by Raam bhajans at 4.30pm.
Chef Asha Maharaj will host cooking demonstrations and there will be an 1860 Indentured Exhibition.
Expect late night Diwali shopping, a variety of food, including Indian street food and waffles. Entrance is free and parking is available.
In addition, the North Coast Diwali Celebrations 2023 will take place at the weekend at the Shri Mariammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe.
On Saturday, a 5km fun run/walk from the temple grounds to the Mount Edgecombe Country Club and back, will start at 6am. The entry fee is R30 and the first 200 entrants who register will get a T-shirt and a goodie bag.
Entertainment, from 11am, will include performances by Melanie Kisten, Mr Biggs, Dr Shah and Dala-U-Crew. There will also be a bhangra.
Free meals to the public (mutton, chicken and vegetable breyani) will be served from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
A fireworks display will take place at 9pm and there is a pick-a-box competition at 10pm. On Sunday, the entertainment will start at 11am and end at 6pm, while lunch will be served from noon to 1pm. Entry to the event is free.
For more information, call Sharon Naidoo at 082 780 4270.