Celebrating the light within

The Diwali Celebration was a spectacle of music, dance and spiritual enlightenment

October 26, 2022

Ronelle Mungaroo 1 minute read

Lohitaksha Ramsai entertains the crowd with a dance.

An explosion of music, song and dance, and spiritual enlightenment emanated from the Swami Sahajananda Community Centre on Saturday (October 22) when a spectacular Diwali Celebration was held.

After a two-year break due to Covid-19, there was excited anticipation in the air as the audience took their seats and turned their attention to the colourfully decorated stage.

Hosted by the Estcourt Hindu Cultural Society (EHCS), the Diwali Celebration provides a platform for the Hindu community to commemorate one of the most auspicious festivals on the calendar.

Estcourt Hindu Cultural Society president Sudarshan Bandu.

As explained by EHCS president Sudarshan Bandu in his welcome and president’s speech, Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is characterised by rejoicing, friendship and sharing. He said it is a time to shed negative emotions and ignite wisdom and knowledge, while likening this to the lamps that are lit when observing the festival.

ALSO READ: Diwali message from Sudarshan Bandu

“Diwali not only unifies Hindus, but also brightens the world,” Bandu said.

The programme was filled with melodious songs, upbeat dancing, as well as enlightening speeches.

The guest speaker was Minority Front leader Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, who said that she appreciated the efforts of the EHCS in promoting culture and bringing the community together.

She added that while Diwali is a fun and colourful time, emphasis must be placed on the significance of the festival.

She encouraged parents to teach their children about the rites and traditions so that these may be practiced in generations to come, while also delving into the importance of acknowledging the different Hindu deities.

The Diwali Celebration concluded with a lamp-offering ceremony and supper.

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