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Music, dance, food and fireworks are planned for the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival, again being held in Newtown, and everyone is invited.
THE triumph of good over evil will again be celebrated in Johannesburg, with the return of the Diwali Festival to Newtown.
Thanking the City's director of arts, culture and heritage services, Steven Sack
An exciting line up of entertainment has been planned for the whole family. The FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival will take place in Johannesburg's cultural precinct on Saturday, 3 October at Mary Fitzgerald Square.
As in previous years, thousands of people of all denominations are expected to attend. Diwali, the Hindu new year, is also known as the festival of lights.
Launching the new-look event on Wednesday, 9 September in Sandton, festival chairperson Vishnu Pillay said this year there would be an exciting affair of Indian music, dance and food.
"The intention is to make the event a one of a kind. This year's theme, ‘Unity in our diversity', showcases the rich cultural heritage within South Africa," he said.
The FNB Diwali Festival 2009 would celebrate the symbolic victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. This would be done through a medley of "performances, aromas, sounds and experiences".
First held in Newtown in 2005, in the following years the Diwali Festival positioned itself as one of the leading events on Johannesburg's cultural calendar. However, in 2008, it was hit by a financial crisis and was cancelled.
Sponsorship
This year, through the efforts of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and the Tamil Federation of Gauteng, First National Bank came to the rescue with a sponsorship of R500 000.
"We must also thank Steven Sack [the director of arts, culture and heritage services in the City] for playing a big role in making sure the event happens. What we can do now is invite various communities to participate," said Mickey Chetty, the president of the Tamil Federation of Gauteng.
Preparing for a spectacular event
Festivities start at 11am, with an exhilarating fireworks display at 8.30pm. This will be followed by a spectacular bhangra party hosted by popular radio personalities.
"The festival [will take] the manner of a fair," said the director, Jayesteri Moopen. "Artists from India will perform alongside South African artists. Dance will range from vibrant Bollywood dance competitions to stylish classical Bharata Natyam dance."
Children
In addition, there will be jugglers and puppet shows for children.
"The highlight of the festival will be a programme to promote the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ through dance and music. There will be interactive drum shows and we will also be running various competitions. Mary Fitzgerald Square will be a buzz of activity on the day."
The focus would not just be on Hindu people, Moopen said. The festival would open a window on Indian culture to different communities in Johannesburg and Gauteng.
Joburg and the South African nation at large used to be characterised as "black and white", but this had changed to a "rainbow nation", said Sack. He commended the organisers for putting together an exciting event that aimed to maintain Indian culture.
"Cultures and languages are being destroyed all over the world. This project is about how to make your culture relevant so that it does not die out, so that it is appreciated. People will look back 50 years on and say your culture is fully appreciated."
Entrance to the FNB Gauteng Diwali Festival is free and people from all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to head to Newtown for an exceptional Indian cultural experience.
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