The Diwali Festival, organized by the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, will take place at the Suncoast parking area from Friday to Sunday. This event is recognized as the largest Diwali festival on the African continent and goes beyond music and dance, promoting Hindu culture, spirituality, community support, and social responsibility.
On Friday, the festival begins at 2:00 PM with dance performances, live band acts, and presentations from the KPSM School of Music, KanthaRuby Dance Academy, Rohan Ramkisson, and Vishena Kendradja. Carnatic music lovers can enjoy a performance by Dostana Nagara at 8:00 PM.
On Saturday, the Sabha, together with representatives from other faiths, will hold an interfaith march against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) along the Suncoast promenade, starting at 8:30 AM. Registration for participation is scheduled for the previous day from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
This initiative aims to commemorate those who died as a result of GBV and transform public concern into active action. Organizers call on all members of various communities to participate, support survivors, challenge victim-blaming, and help create a safer environment for women, children, and other vulnerable individuals.
Throughout the day, the main stage will feature entertainment programs with key speakers, cultural performances, music, and interfaith contributions. Attendees will be treated to performances by Udaya Banwari, Ashlyn Govender, and Vishwa Shakti. In the afternoon, Preba Iyavu, known for her role as 'Just Another Akka,' and Professor Ashwin Desai will also appear.
A mandir will operate on the festival grounds, allowing visitors to offer lamps in honor of the auspicious month of Kartik in collaboration with the International Society for Hinduism. On Saturday afternoon, the Sri Sanatana Dharma Sabha of South Africa will conduct a reading of the Sundar Kand in the mandir.
The formal opening will take place at 7:00 PM, followed by an 'Incredible India' fireworks display at 8:15 PM. The festivities will continue with a performance by Shiv Shuffler, whose concert is intended to bring even more joy to Diwali.
Sunday morning will begin with a Havan ceremony involving gurus from various Indian language groups. The day also includes religious music (bhajan) performances from the Andhra Maha Sabha, Devasthanam Foundation, and Tamil Vedic Society, followed by the Bhajan Festival from the South African Association of Ram Bhajan. Visitors can enjoy diverse Indian street and fast food at the festival food court, as well as late shopping and a children's fair. The festival will be broadcast by Hindvani.
Among the attractive offers are various prizes and gifts, including a two-week tour of India from Shivaratri One Stop Travel, a two-day getaway for two, an MSC Cruises voucher, two round-trip Emirates tickets to India, and an ocean-view cabin through the Star Events' Bhangra Boat offer.
Additionally, Netflix will host a screening of the film 'How to Ruin Diwali' on the festival grounds, where visitors can meet the film's actors at the company's booth.
The festival embodies the values of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance through cultural traditions, spiritual practices, and opportunities for people from different communities to gather. Regardless of interests—music, food, fireworks, spirituality, or family entertainment—the festival offers a weekend of rich activities for visitors of all ages. The entrance fee is 20 Rand per person, and parking is available.