Joburg Welcomes Hindu New Year

October 5, 2009

Author: Rudo Mungoshi

Source: City of Johannesburg

http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/4386/266/

Colorful saris, the vibrant sound of traditional music and the rich scent of spicy Indian food filled Newtown's Mary Fitzgerald Square on Saturday, 3 October - and it was all to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights.

The FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival was organised by the Gauteng region of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and the Tamil Federation of Gauteng with the backing of the City of Johannesburg and First National Bank (FNB).

From mid-morning till late the square pulsed with a varied cultural and entertainment programme that brought a festive atmosphere to downtown Joburg. The stage was filled with royal purples, bright oranges, maroons, golds and reds as a variety of Indian dance groups performed contemporary and traditional dances, ranging from Bharata Natyam to Kollatum.

Among the music and dance groups that took part in this year were the Benoni Tamil School Board, Bollywood Superstars, Irene Dance Academy, Spicy Bollywood and Kashvita Music and Dance Academy.