The Estcourt Hindu Cultural Society (EHCS) hosted the annual Diwali celebration on Saturday at the Swami Sahajananda Community Centre.

Locals were dressed for the occasion with beautiful eastern wear, which set the tone to celebrate one of the biggest events on the Hindu calendar.

The event kicked off with a welcome from the EHCS Chairperson Sudarshan Bandu who explained the significance of Diwali, which means a row of lights and encouraged those present to live their lives in spiritual light.

The programme was peppered with bhajans, dances and a sketch.

Guest Speaker His Grace Panchpandava Das of Nepal accompanied by devotees from Ladysmith and Estcourt delighted the crowd with bhajans before his talk.

He spoke on the importance of the “light” that Diwali brings.

He said that Hindus must “light your soul with the lamp of love.”

His short speech ended with him urging the community to love, give and forgive.

Guest artist Dharam Maharaj was cheered on by applause.

Minority Front Member of Parliament Vimmi Ramdaas was the last speaker and brought well wishes from the party’s leader, Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, who sponsored the evening’s meal.

After the vote of thanks, the 2013 Diwali celebration was concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian supper.