The festival, also known as Deepavali or Divali, incorporates a row of lights or lamps, signifying the disappearance of darkness and the bringing of joy, warmth and all things good. The theme for the festival is 'Keepers of the Light, Remembering the Mahatmas' and will pay tribute to South Africans for their contribution to the upliftment of humanity. Each of the chosen individuals to be acknowledged shares the spirit of Satyagraha that makes up South Africa's colourful diverse mosaic of communities.
Festival Director, Naufal Khan, shared the vision of the new independent festival at the recent media launch at Gold Reef City. "The festival aims to integrate the varied communities of South Africa as to what Diwali means for South Africa and Africa, as the central message of Diwali is the dispelling of darkness with the power of light. This is a concept that aims to encourage social cohesion through our beautiful culture, music, dance, food and literature."
The Thuthuzela Home for Children and the Anavarata Dance Institute are the two primary beneficiaries of the Festival, which will start a funding drive to purchase property for this home that provides care for 60 orphans in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The Anavarata Dance Institute, the second beneficiary is to fund vehicles for their non-profit dance organisation, through a sponsorship drive at the festival.
The sponsors of the festival are Thava Indian Restaurant, Gold Reef City, ABI, Coca Cola, HKR Printing and official media partners are Eastern Mosaic, LotusFM and SABC.
The Diwali Celebration Society is driving the event through the participation of creative directors of cultural programming, Anusia Govender-Pillay and Kashmira Nagardas; project manager, Natasha Bezuidenhout; PR, Lakshya Malhotra; operations, Mellisha Ramrathan; and Naufal Khan, festival director.
For more information, go to www.indianspice.co.za or follow @naufalkhan.
