eThekwini Diwali Festival

Overview

The eThekwini Diwali Festival was started 14 years ago with a 3-day programme at the Rydalvale Grounds in Phoenix. The aim was to provide a free cultural event for the Phoenix and surrounding communities. The programme included Music and Dance by local artists, food, and novelty stalls by small businesses a float parade and a Mass Havan Ceremony to which the public is invited to participate.

Over the last seven years the eThekwini Diwali Festival was moved from the Rydalvale Grounds and the festival is now held over two days during the weekend at the Phoenix Youth Centre. The Saturday is dedicated to Music and dance, and the Sunday is dedicated to the Havan Ceremony.

The festival of Diwali is celebrated globally as the highlight of the Hindu religious calendar. It is the focal point of more than a billion Hindus, as it heralds the victory of right over wrong and light over darkness, as its literal translation means `festival of light’.

In South Africa, the majority of the Indian population is of Hindu extraction and this festival serves as the highlight around which much festivity is planned and enjoyed. Locally, the primary public observance of the event takes place annually in various areas in Durban. This event has proved to be a huge success drawing thousands of people to the festivals over the three-day celebration. The eThekwini

Municipality has over the past supported this endeavour which is hosted by various NGO’s.

Objectives of the festival :

Use the Diwali Festival to create economic opportunities for citizens within the Phoenix and surrounding region.
Celebrate our cultural diversity.
Work towards building a spirit of unity and non racialism in our community and the surrounding townships.
Propagate the promotion of moral values amongst the community.
Use the Diwali Festival to promote peace and unity amongst all communities.
Promote tolerance amongst the various religions and cultural groupings.

Who will benefit from this project and how?

Members of the Phoenix and surrounding communities of Inanda and KwaMashu will enjoy a three day festival which was free of charge to the community
Many small business in the community will be given the chance to sell their goods and crafts to the public in order to generate some income to sustain themselves.
Emerging artists from the surrounding communities will be offered the opportunity to showcase their talent on stage.
Networking opportunities – service providers, community members and volunteers would be able to network with each other in respect of services and business opportunities.
The community will benefit from free community education programmes, health advice, spirituality, children’s rights and fitness programmes

Through the cultural programmes, the various communities will be educated about the cultural diversity in SA.
The Diwali festival will provide a platform for religious and cultural leaders to unite and to pray for peace and unity in our community and country.
Volunteers of the PCC will have an opportunity to recruit, train and work with other volunteers and community activists thereby providing mentorship to the youth in our community.
The Diwali festival attract several local donors who will came on board and gave generously to the community.
The community will benefit from free medical services, yoga demonstrations, consultations and interaction with religious and cultural leaders and children from crèches frim Mount Moriah Township will be treated to children’s entertainment and meals