Light shed on Diwali decorations
The Aum lights which has caused a stir, is actually a Telugu representation of the symbol.
Diwali is one of the most auspicious days on the Hindu calendar.
To create a festive mood for the occasion on October 23, the municipality installed decorative lights to various suburbs.
However, complaints have surfaced that the Aum lights have been put on incorrectly.
The Aum symbol is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal absolute of Hinduism.
The Aum lights that have caused a stir, is actually a Telugu representation of the symbol.
A quick glance at the symbol would seem that it had been placed incorrectly, but it differs significantly from the Hindi version.
The Tamil version of the symbol is also designed differently.
All three designs were installed around Newcastle, to ensure all communities were represented.
According to Lindile Zincume, Strategic Executive Director of Electrical Services, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha in was consulted regarding the placement and orientation of the signs.
“The municipality will continue to work closely with the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, to ensure that religious festivals are honoured appropriately, as this is a new initiative to accommodate all religions and I am sure people will be patient with the municipality as we mean no harm,” concluded Mr Zincume.
