Tamil Federation hosts cultural extravaganza at Civic Hall

Sunday was a day filled with endless cultural entertainment as the Tamil Federation of KwaZulu-Natal (TFKZN) hosted a ‘Cultural Extravaganza’ at the Civic Hall on Mother’s Day.

The event was a collaborative effort between community organisations in Ladysmith and the TFKZN.

The programme started with a prayer conducted by Guru Krishnamoorthi from the Hindu Thirukootam & Shree Ganesha Temple.

The programme was hosted by an energetic and refreshing Dr G Murugan, popularly known as Bull Murugan. He had the crowd enthralled with over 50 years of experience in promoting the Tamil culture in South Africa.

There were speeches by Richard Govender (president of the TFKZN), Mervan Reddy (secretary of the SATF) and a welcome speech by Vasen Govender (president of the HTSGT and chairperson of the local organising committee).

The organising committee consisted of the Hindu Thirukootam & Shree Ganesha Temple as the host organisation, the Ladysmith Association for the Aged (Lafta), Ramakrishna Centre, Young Hindu Cultural Service Society (YHCSS) and Shree Siva Subramanayar Temple.

After the speeches, local star artist Kumarie Deepika Naidoo (representing the YHCSS) started off the extravaganza with a traditional Bharadanatyam dance which had the crowd engrossed.

The elderly mothers of Lafta made the town proud with a rendition of two songs dedicated to all mothers present at the event.

One item that really wowed the crowd was a group dance conducted by learners from Acaciavale Primary School, which was received by a standing ovation from all in the crowd.

The Ladysmith Bhakti Sangeet conducted a few devotional songs and the Ramakrishna Centre rendered a group dance.

However, the highlight of the day was the songs sung by Indian-born and renowned artist Veeramani Kannan, supported by dances performed by the Suja Kannan Music & Dance Academy.

He had the crowd clapping and stamping their feet to a string of Tamil songs, both old and new.

Local lad Rushen Naidoo of the HTSGT made a guest appearance with Veeramani Kannan and sang two popular Tamil songs.

All performers and speakers were given a certificate of appreciation by the local organising committee, and lunch was served to all present.

It was a well spent day and all the mothers present seemed to enjoy themselves.

Thank you goes out to all sponsors and donors who made the event a success.

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