The Dundee Hindu Temple has extended its warm wishes to the community for a blessed and peaceful 2026, expressing hope for spiritual growth and cultural enrichment in the year ahead.

As part of its annual religious calendar, the temple will host the Thaipoosam Kavady Festival from Friday, January 23, to Sunday, February 1. A series of sacred ceremonies is planned over the 10 days.

Festival programme

The festival will begin with the flag-hoisting ceremony on Friday, January 23, at 17:30.

Other key events include:

• Friday, January 30: Marieamman Kumbum at 18:00, followed by the Chariot Parade at 18:30.

• Saturday, January 31: Navagraha Shanti at 06:00 and Thirukalyanam at 18:00.

• Sunday, February 1: Main Thaipoosam Kavady at 08:00, followed by flag de-hoisting at 13:00.

Important notice to Kavady devotees

Devotees intending to carry kavady on the main festival day, Sunday, February 1, are reminded that fasting begins on Friday, January 23.

Participants are required to provide their own coconuts, flowers and limes, and to decorate their own kavadies. Obayam contributions are set at R50, while paal kodums and kavadies cost R80 each.

Donations and kavady payments will be collected throughout the festival period at the Dundee Hindu Temple. Payments may also be made via electronic transfer, with banking details available from temple officials.

Those wishing to participate in daily obayams are requested to notify officials by January 19 to ensure their names are included in the main Thaipoosam programme.

Raffle sheets have already been distributed, with prizes to be announced during the festival.

For more information, contact Krish Kali on 034 218 1509 or 083 576 6670; G Dookhi on 034 212 1902 or 082 260 1391; or Kerisha Govender on 034 218 2141 or 071 302 0852.