Durban Diwali Festival Termed as a Festival of Social Cohesion

The South African city of Durban, which has been affected by tensions between the Indian community in the country and native Zulus, witnessed annual Diwali celebrations that were called a major social cohesion exercise in the city.

According to a PTI report, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha organized 20th edition of Diwali celebration on 3-4 Nov.

Ashwin Trikamjee, president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha was quoted by the news agency as saying, “This is social cohesion right on the ground.”

He further said that the two-day celebration of culture, color, and cuisine isn’t aimed at Hindu community only but is also aimed at attracting people of other faiths and communities in South Africa.

He added that after Nelson Mandela’s election and end of apartheid, this area was racially desegregated. After some years, the idea of Diwali celebration was proposed but many people were skeptical regarding it.

The PTI quoted him as saying, “So many people, including from our own community, told us that it would not work. But we took up the challenge and went ahead at the beachfront, where thousands of supporters showed up, prompting us to seek larger venues over the years until we settled on the present site — which was formerly the home of Durban’s only drive-in cinema until its closure.”

According to a report in Independent Online, mass prayers were organized on Nov.4 morning at 20th annual Durban Diwali festival, where dozens of people gathered to take part in it.

Convener Dhunluxmi Desai was quoted by Independent Online as saying, “This is one of the biggest prayers, with priests from different linguistic groups that will be conducting prayers.”

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi (90), who is a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and head of the Inkatha Freedom Party, was present in the event as chief guest. He also underlined the value of social cohesion and appealed the South African people to remain united against racial divides.