October 18, 2007
By Tabisa Mntengwana
MORE than 150 participants, ranging from cultural to community groups, will be celebrating Diwali in Newtown this year.
The festivities, on Saturday, 27 October at Mary Fitzgerald Square, will feature the likes of the world-renowned Indo-fusion band Strings and Skins and Friends, Joburg music and dance collaboration Saptaswara, and performances from the Indian Dance Alliance of South Africa.
"The festival will bring us together as a nation and help us to understand different cultures," said festival director Nisha Moodley. The line-up was chosen after auditions were held in Lenasia last month.
"South Africa has exceptional talent and the Newtown Diwali Festival is honoured to give these participants a platform," Moodley explained.
An esoteric fair at Museum Africa, dance workshops, fashion shows, a fireworks display, a mini market, children's art workshops, and a retail therapy area will flesh out the festival. The dance workshops will include north and south Indian classical, folk and Bollywood dance.
The Newtown Diwali Festival to be held at Mary Fitzgerald Square on Saturday, 27 October
(Photo: Newtown Diwali Festival)
The day will kick off with a fashion show featuring up and coming designers Pregasen Govender and Siphiwe Sikali "who both describe their work as modern, practical and comfortable fashion which looks good on everybody", according to the press release.
The Newtown Diwali Festival is supported by the City of Johannesburg.
Diwali is a Hindu celebration known as the festival of lights. It is recognised around the world by millions of people and marks the beginning of the Hindu new year. Diwali stands for peace, harmony and the triumph of light over darkness.
"The festival preaches the message of togetherness and unity," Moodley added.
Also on the bill is the Lotus FM Bollywood street party, with some of the radio station's popular DJs, and Threads in Time, an exhibition of textiles and crafts from India. Held at Museum Africa, the exhibition will show India's rich and luxurious weaving and textile traditions.
On board for the second time this year is Nestle. The food stuffs company will support 14 women from local communities in preparing Indian sweetmeats. Samples will be available on the day.
The artists Magendaren Balkisten, Sivaprea Padayachee, Thiruvasagan Muthulingam and Siva Padiachi, together with the Nadanam Dance Company, are also expected to perform.
Newtown Diwali Festival is being held at Mary Fitzgerald Square on Saturday, 27 October. It kicks off at 10am and the party lasts until midnight. Entrance is free. For more information, visit the Newtown Diwali Festival website.
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