Get ready for Diwali

The triumph of light over darkness will be celebrated next month at the FNB Gauteng Diwali festival in Newtown, with food, entertainment, competitions and fireworks to delight fairgoers.
THE FNB Gauteng Diwali festival will once again illuminate Newtown’s Mary Fitzgerald Square with an array of traditional songs, dance, culture and cuisine on Saturday, 15 October.

Alba LettsDiwali Festival a celebration of diverse cultures, says Alba LettsAlso known as the festival of lights, the festival, in its third year, is hosted by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, endorsed by the City and sponsored by the First National Bank (FNB).

Speaking at the launch of the Diwali festival on Thursday, 14 September at Swad restaurant at Melrose Arch in northern Joburg, the festival’s director, Jayesperi Moopen, said Diwali was a celebration of all the good that humanity has to offer.

“Diwali is not bound by religion, colour or creed but all that is positive. Our festival has always been and will continue to be multicultural in sharing our experiences with all,” said Moopen.

Moopen added that about 180 artists will participate in the festival.

“We will also be having a giant Rangoli, a Sanskrit word which means a creative expression of art through the use of colour,” said Moopen.

Rangoli is a traditional decorative folk art of India. These are decorative designs made on floors of living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals and are meant as sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities.

The diya
The theme of this year’s festival is “light up the world” and is based on the intrinsic symbol of Diwali, the diya.

Jayasperi MoopenJayesperi Moopen: Festival will be bigger“A diya is known to give light to the world and does not discriminate as to who gets the light. Regardless of religion, race and belief system, everyone benefits from its light,” said Moopen.

A diya is an oil lamp usually made from clay with a cotton wick dipped in ghee or vegetable oils.

In line with the theme the square will also be lit up with lamps.

Alba Letts, the City’s acting director for arts, culture and heritage, said the festival embodies the City’s mandate in providing social cohesion and celebrating diverse cultures.

“The festival also plays a critical role in achieving our vision of seeing Joburg as the cultural capital of Africa,” said Letts.

FNB chief executive officer for global business commercial banking, Bobby Madav, said the idea of hosting the Diwali festival was to get people to understand other cultures.

“As a proudly South African bank with roots that extend to several other African countries, we are confident that the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival will continue to celebrate the cultural diversity and tolerance within our communities and illustrate our renewed commitment to the festival,” said Madav.

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.

DanceExpect a memorable occassionThe 2010 event attracted more than 15 000 people.

Diwali activities
The Diwali festival will begin with a religious ceremony performed in temples and homes that involves worship through the use of a sacred fire accompanied by religious songs.

A diverse and exciting mix of food and retail stalls and entertainment ranging from Bollywood dancing to Bengali folk music has also been secured to make the festivities memorable for visitors.

Children and adults can also take part in fun activities such as clay lamp and henna painting and a sari-tying competition.

Among the highlights are performances by the Drisha Music Academy, the Tribhangi Dance Theatre, Moving into Dance Mophatong, Natya Anjali, Greg Georgiades and Ashish Joshi.

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

For more information and regular updates on the Diwali festival log onto www.diwalifestival.co.za.