Laudium came alive in colour, culture and light as the Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj (SPHSS) hosted a historic Diwali Festival t at the Laudium Sports Grounds. The family-friendly event brought together thousands of community members of all faiths and creeds, for a day and evening filled with food, music, dance, children’s activities, volleyball, stalls and a spectacular fireworks display. More than 80 vendors formed part of the celebration, creating a mini festival village with strictly vegetarian food, ice-cold traditional drinks, traditional clothing, eastern art, holistic therapies and much more. The stage programme featured traditional Indian classical and folk dancers, musicians, fusion dancers, African cultural dancers and a high-energy DJ, while speakers highlighted the message of Diwali, the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair. Vibrant MC for the event, Avin Moorley, kept the audience engaged, adding extra sparkle to the festivities. With strong safety and security measures in place, the event was enjoyed without incident, before an outstanding 23 minute fireworks display brought the celebration to a glowing close.
*The Laudium Sun wishes all our Hindu readers an absolutely brilliant Diwali/Deepavali, which will be celebrated on Sunday (November 8). May it be a day filled with delight and sparkles of joy… and a glorious New Year (Tuesday, November 10) to the mainly Gujarati community… one that promises to cover the power-triad: health, wealth and happiness.
**Prayers will be held at the SPHSS on Sunday evening from 5:15pm – 6:30pm and on Tuesday morning from 7am-9am
Historic Diwali Festival lights up Laudium in spectacular style…
Laudium was at the centre of a history-making celebration on Saturday, October 31, as the Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj hosted what was described as the biggest and most spectacular family-friendly Diwali Festival.
On a very hot Saturday, more than 80 vendors helped create a mini festival village, offering strictly vegetarian food, ice-cold traditional drinks, traditional clothing, eastern art, holistic therapies and much more.
Children were also well catered for at the celebration, with mehndi and henna hand painting, face painting, jumping castles and toys keeping them entertained during the day. The LVA also added to the excitement by bringing volleyball to the event, hosting a successful open court throughout the day.
The stage programme featured diverse groups of traditional Indian classical and folk dancers, musicians, fusion dancers, African cultural dancers and a high-energy DJ, giving the festival a colourful and vibrant atmosphere.
As the sun began to set and temperatures cooled, massive crowds of joyful community members made their way into the stadium. With smiles on their faces, grace in their hearts and hope that they would share in the blessed light of Diwali, the wonderful crowd added to the spirit of the occasion. Banners explaining the deep significance of Diwali were displayed, while speakers also highlighted the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the Indian High Commission, the Department of Arts and Culture and local Councillors. As the evening progressed, the crowd grew in numbers, anticipation and excitement. The grandstands, field viewing area, stalls zone and areas around the stadium were filled with people taking part in the magic of Diwali.
A notable feature of the event was the deep respect, excellent behaviour and community togetherness displayed by the crowd, reflecting the powerful value-based society within the community.
The safety and security of the crowd is always paramount and a massive team co-ordinated by the SPHSS included Paramedics, Fire , SAPS, CPF, LDM , PAJ Security and RSS Security. This ensured traffic management, pedestrian movements, personal and car safety and enforcement of the key rules of no alcohol, no firearms/weapons and no anti-social behaviour. This team of over 80 personnel ensured the event was enjoyed by all without incident.
Thank you to all these partners.
The team of more than 80 personnel helped ensure that the event was enjoyed by all without incident. As darkness settled, the tempo, energy and colour of the evening increased, creating a wonderful canvas for the powerful light emitted from each of the glowing spirits of the crowd.
The celebration reached its peak with a spectacular fireworks display, which painted the night sky with colour and crackle, ushering the Diwali light into the hearts of all. The brilliant fireworks display lasted 23 minutes and was described as one of the biggest and most spectacular in Gauteng.
As the fireworks came to an end, the crowd gracefully exited with hearts overflowing with the spirit of Diwali, renewed hope, love and faith in the goodness of togetherness. The theme of the festival, “Be the light and light flames of hope and faith in others,” was truly reflected on the night.
The SPHSS would like to wish the entire community a blessed, joyous , hopeful and spiritually charged Diwali. May your inner light shine bright ! Jai Shree Ram !
Diwali / Deepavali messages from the community
Cllr Prajay Ramjee:
“I wish all Hindu readers a Happy Diwali and a prosperous Gujerati New Year. May the coming year be full of new accomplishments.”
Pastor Kevin Naicker of the Bethesda Revival Church:
“HAPPY DEEPAVALI/DIWALI
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!
To all our Hindu friends, families and communities, we extend our warmest wishes for a blessed, joyful and beautiful Deepavali celebration. May this Festival of Lights remind us that light will always prevail over darkness, hope will overcome despair, love will conquer hatred, and peace is always worth pursuing. Deepavali is a wonderful time for families and friends to come together, strengthen their bonds, share beautiful moments, embrace one another and celebrate the blessings of life. As the beautiful lights shine, may they also inspire us to bring light into the lives of others through kindness, compassion, generosity, forgiveness and understanding. During this special celebration, let us also unite our hearts in prayer for world peace, an end to wars, violence and suffering and a brighter future for every nation. May peace prevail in our communities, our homes and throughout the world. We may come from different backgrounds, cultures and faith traditions, but we share one humanity. Every human life is precious and deserves dignity, respect and love. Let us continue to build bridges of friendship, promote unity in diversity and celebrate the goodness that brings us together. May your homes be filled with light, your hearts with joy, your families with love, and your lives with peace, prosperity and abundant blessings. Remember: Every light that shines makes the darkness a little less powerful. Never underestimate the difference one person, one act of kindness or one expression of love can make in this world.
WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES A BEAUTIFUL, JOYFUL AND PEACEFUL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!
With Love and Prayers.”
Mansukh Chhiba and family of Centurion:
“Wishing the Hindu community in Tshwane and across South Africa a joyous and blessed Diwali. May this Festival of Lights bring peace, happiness, prosperity, good health and harmony into every home.”
Nirav & Nirali Panchal of 14th Ave, Laudium:
“May the divine light of Diwali fill your life with joy, good health, wealth and endless blessings. Happy Diwali.”
Krisha Panchal of 14th Avenue, Laudium:
“Happy Diwali. May your Diwali be as lite as your selfies.”
Asha Ritesh Patel of 13th Ave, Laudium:
“May the divine light of Diwali illuminate your life with peace, prosperity, good health and success. Wishing you and your family a blessed and beautiful Diwali!”
Rudra Ritesh Patel of 13th Ave, Laudium:
“Wishing you a Diwali as bright as you are. Happy Festival of Lights!”
Krisha Kapadia and Prithika Singh of Erasmia:
“Wishing you a bright and happy Festival of Lights! May this Diwali fill your home with love, your heart with happiness and your life with peace, prosperity and endless blessings. May the light of every diya bring new hope, success and beautiful beginnings. Wishing you and your family a joyful, safe and blessed Diwali! Happy Diwali!”
Panth, Sandhyaben, Tapan & Swasti Parekh of Emerald Street, Laudium:
“Warmest Diwali wishes to you and your family! May this Festival of Lights bring new opportunities, success and prosperity to your life. Have a blessed celebration!”
Rahil Pillay, Tavara Pillay and Riaz Pillay of Willem Erasmus Street, Erasmia:
“Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali! May this Festival of Lights fill your homes with happiness, your hearts with peace and your lives with endless love, prosperity and success. May the light of the diyas guide you towards new beginnings and brighter days. May you always be surrounded by blessings, laughter and beautiful memories. Shubh Deepavali!”
Jignesh Patel, Vanita Patel and Divya Patel of Lotus Street, Laudium:
“May the glowing lights of Diwali fill your home with happiness peace and prosperity Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali and a bright year ahead. HAPPY DIWALI!”
Ketan Parmar & Nayanta Naranof Pearl Str, Laudium:
“Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali! May the beautiful Festival of Lights illuminate your life with endless happiness, good health, peace and prosperity. May every diya bring new hope, every sparkle fill your heart with joy, and every prayer bring blessings and success. May this Diwali strengthen family bonds, spread love and kindness and bring new beginnings and opportunities into your life. May the light of goodness always shine brighter than darkness, and may your home be filled with laughter, warmth and countless beautiful memories. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, safe and blessed Festival of Lights! Shubh Deepavali!