Be in the know: Community notices
Get the 411 right here of all upcoming events in Newcastle.
NEWCASTLE – Fire Walking Ceremony and Marriaman Poojai
July 20 – The Shanthi Nivas will host its annual fire walking ceremony and Mariaman Poojai. The event starts on July 20, with a flag hoisting ceremony at the temple, 102 Montague Street, from 6pm.
The celebrations will continue on July 29, with the fire walking and Kanganum Poojal at 6pm and the Mariaman Poojal on July 31 at 10am. During the service, the community is invited to join Shanti Nivas in sacred chants and devotional chants, as well as offering prayers to God in the form of the Divine Mother Mariaman.
For more information, contact Sri Sarverson on 078 648 1577.
SANCA Annual General Meeting
July 21 – The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) will host its AGM on July 21.
The AGM will be held at 57 Paterson Street from 1pm.
For more information, contact Nokwanda Zondo on 034 312 3641 or 079 790 3784 or Morris Gajoo on 083 310 2309.
St Oswald’s Class of 1979 reunion
The St Oswald’s High School Class of 1979 can renew old acquaintances at a reunion, planned for August 6, at Blackrock Casino.
Planning for the occasion is at an advanced stage, with the working group based locally pulling all the stops to ensure the event is well attended and memorable. Contact Sangeetha on 082 612 2405.
NAON excursion to South Coast
August 6 – New Age Of Newcastle (NAON) will host a weekend getaway to the South Coast from August 6 until August 10.
During the four-day trip, guests will visit Sun Coast and Wild Coast casinos, as well as temples.
The trip will cost R1 850 and a R1 000 deposit is required to secure a booking.
The price of the trip includes transport, accommodation and meals. Contact Radhika Maharaj on 071 412 8617 or Krish Ramdhani on 082 889 6128 for more information.
Annual Maha Yagna Pooja
August 21 – The Shree Sanathan Dharma Purohit Mandal will host the 16th annual Maha Yagna Pooja for rain, grain, peace, prosperity and unity on August 21.
The event will commence at 8am, at the corner of Dixon and St Thomas streets, Lennoxton.
A peace walk will start at 7am, and youth are encouraged to participate. Special blessings and prayers for students, including Saraswathie Pooja, will be conducted by the presiding priest. Pundits will recite 1008 mantras on the day.
Parsadh will be served. Any form of donation may be handed to Pundit Ram, Pundit Suresh, Pundit Panday, Pundit Mohan Maharaj, Pundit Muggan Maharaj and Pundit Roshan Maharaj. Contact Pundit Mohan Maharaj on 034 317 1889 or 082 658 5782.
Diwali Show
October 15 – The date for the annual Newcastle Diwali Show has been earmarked for October 15. The Diwali Show committee has begun planning, and with an exciting vision and lots of new ideas, the committee is sure this year’s show will be one of the best ever. As the event is one of the biggest highlights on the cultural calendar, it offers a terrific platform to showcase local talent and allows people of all ages to come together.
The show will reflect cultural vibrance, and community groups and religious institutions are invited to participate in the celebrations. Food and shopping stalls, children’s entertainment and a car sound competition will be available. Evening entertainment will be provided by a show band.
For more information, contact Ishwar Singh on 082 464 2344, Pravesh Sewlal on 082 859 9284 or Sheriza Singh on 082 856 1970.
Hindi Pracharni Sabha
The community is invited to attend satsang every Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm.
Ramayan recital classes are held every Sunday from 9am to 10.30am. Contact Ramesh on 082 885 1190 or Vinod on 072 258 9992 for more information.
Hindi classes are held every evening for children and adults. Students are registered with the Hindi Shiksha Sangh, should they wish to write the National examinations. Contact Shamilla on 076 933 0655.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place every Thursday at 7pm at the Methodist Church on 64 Harding Street. Contact Des on 079 503 1075, Ina on 034 318 1108, Morris on 083 310 2309 or 034 326 4718 (A/H), Raj on 082 669 9140 (A/H) or contact the National Helpline on 086 143 5722.
