Indian influence contributes to multi-cultural diversity

South African Indians have a strong affiliation to their language, culture and beliefs.

While English is spoken as a first language by Indian South Africans, a minority of the Indian South African population, especially the elders, still speak some Indian languages. These languages include Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujarati. Indian South Africans are predominantly Hindu, but Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs also came to South Africa from India from as early as 1860.

Notable Hindu festivals include Diwali/Deepavali, the festival of lights, and the Tamil Thai Poosam Kavady annual festival.

Islamic influence began in South Africa with the arrival of indentured workers from the west and south coast of India. Notable Muslim celebrations include Eid and Ramadan.

The diverse Indian population in South Africa is concentrated in Durban, which has the most substantial Indian population in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa as a whole also has a substantial Indian population, with over one million people of Indian descent. Therefore, Indian influences have contributed to the multi-cultural diversity of South Africa.

The local culinary landscape has been infused with a diverse array of Oriental flavour – most notably in KZN. Popular dishes include curry, and the popular bunny chow.

Source: www.sahistory.org.za

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