The FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival will once again illuminate Newtown’s Mary Fitzgerald Square with an array
of traditional song, dance, culture and cuisine on Saturday, 15 October 2011.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, it is hosted by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, endorsed by the City of Johannesburg and sponsored by First National Bank.

The FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival is considered one of the most vibrant events on the local cultural calendar, and has proved extremely popular amongst Indian communities living in the province – while also appealing to those who are keen to experience the many colourful facets of Hindu culture.

The theme of this year’s festival is “Light up the World”.

“As human beings, we must do things that will not only benefit ourselves or our families, but all of mankind. This way of living brings out the Hindu way of life – of brotherly love and harmony – which we would like to share with all those who visit the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival, regardless of culture or creed,” adds Mr Trikamjee.

A diverse and exciting mix of food and retail stalls, as well as entertainment ranging from Bollywood dancing to Bengali folk music, has been secured to make the festivities extra-memorable for visitors. Among the highlights are performances by the Drisha Music Academy, Tribhangi Dance Theatre, Oriental Fire, Moving into Dance Mophatong, Natya Anjali, Jagaat, and Greg Georgiades and Ashish Joshi.

Visitors can immerse themselves in song, dance and bargain shopping, while alluring exotic aromas waft through the Square, tempting all and sundry into sampling the traditional cuisine on offer. Kids and adults can also take part in fun activities such as clay lamp and henna painting, as well as lending their artistic talents to creating a giant Rangoli – a decorative artwork.

This day of activity and entertainment will be topped off by a spectacular 18-minute fireworks display.

The 2010 event attracted more than 15,000 people and this year’s festival promises to be bigger, better and even more vibrant. Don’t miss it – entrance is free! Bring the whole family to experience the incomparable vibe of this festival with its myriad cultural activities and attractions.

Visit www.diwalifestival.co.za for more information and regular updates.

The South African Hindu Maha Sabha would like to thank the following sponsors for their invaluable support of the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival: First National Bank, SWAD Restaurant, Eastern Mosaic/SABC 2, Saffron TV, SA India Magazine Jet Airways, Fidelity Security Lotus FM and Zee TV.

HCC DIWALI FESTIVAL PROMISES TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER

By: Mems Moosa

Hindu Co-ordinating Council launches their Diwali Festival – Uparallelled, Unforgettable and Unbeatable
The ever popular Hindu Co-ordinating Council (HCC) Diwali Festival, which has set a national precedent, will be held on Saturday, October 22, at the Lenasia Stadium.

This year there will be more activities and prize give-aways than ever before, and the fun begins at 2pm, and continues late into the night. Lenasians and everyone coming to the HCC Diwali Festival can be assured of a programme ‘better, bigger then ever before,’ said Kishore Badal.

The dynamic programme will bring local talent to the fore. This year, once again, together with Milan, sponsoring the fireworks display – the public can expect the most extravagant culmination of the day’s colourful festivities – and fun celebration. Milan’s had already, last year, assured us that this year’s firework will be even more breathtaking than ever before.

The variety of food and other exquisite stalls will once again provide a special treat to everyone seeking to enjoy or acquire an exquisite bargain. Food will be available in abundant variety and most definitely designed to please every taste, so prepare to spoil yourself. The HCC event is a community family fun day with an attendance having already well exceed 20 000 – and a call is made to you to make sure that you are part of the fun from as early as possible – so that you can take advantage of the stalls, win a prize or just enjoy the day’s activities before the mainstream entertainment rocks Lenasia like never before. The children and youth activities begin at 3pm.

The HCC is not financed by any conglomerate and requires the financial support of business, and professional people. No donation is too small or and none is too large. Diwali contributions can be direct to Kokkie Singh on 011 854 3387 (h), 084 261 2442 – Chairperson of HCC or Treasurer Dr Cyril Samuels. For all enquiries relating to the HCC Diwali Festival please contact:
Kishore Badal
Hindu Co-ordinating Council
Public Relations Officer – 082 555 2050

As always the public is invited to this “super-phenomenal event” at the usual entrance fee of R5. 00 per person, and as per tradition all senior citizens and children under the age of 13 will be allowed free entrance.
Safety, security and contingency are paramount to HCC, so rest assured that every precaution has been taken to ensure your peace of mind!