Eastern culture celebrated
The grand event included a host of eastern songs and dances.
THE public turned out in their numbers for the Saiva Vazhipatu Kazhagam of South Africa, in conjunction with the Port Shepstone branch’s Thiru Karthigai Theebam celebrations at the Port Shepstone Civic Centre last Sunday.
The glamorous function was a celebration of colourful and expressive eastern song and dance and coincided with the organisation’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Thiru Karthigi Theebam means Holy Night of Lights and is a Festival of Lights that has been celebrated since ancient times.
The chief guest of honour was Swami Somasundram Adigalar, who is the spiritual head of the Siva Manram in Durban.
The Siva Manram is one of the first orgainsations in South Africa that published and made available ancient Tamil scriptures in English.
‘NM’ Pillay (chairman of the Saiva Vazhipatu Kazhagam, Port Shepstone branch) explained that the Port Shepstone branch of the Saiva Vazhipatu Kazhagam was started on June 6, 1993 by the brother and sister team of Kumaren Pillay and Nancy Pillay-Newton.
“It is incumbent for an organisation such as ours to take notice of the needs of its people and do something tangible towards the upliftment of its culture, religion and social dynamics,” said Mr Pillay. After the festivities, guests enjoyed a scrumptious supper.
