Lower Illovo celebrates Diwali with cultural show

THE Diwali Cultural Show held at Illovo Primary School hall on October 25 was a vibrant celebration of culture and community.

Organised by the Illovo Diwali Committee, this event showcased the rich talents of children, giving them a platform to express themselves and encouraging positive engagement in the community.

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One of the organisers, Austin Gounden, said after an 11-year hiatus this was the fourth Diwali show which aimed to steer youth away from negative influences, such as drug abuse.

“The event featured a red carpet, where about 200 guests were asked to dress in their best Bollywood outfits. We had a religious interpretation of the story of Diwali, explaining what it was about and why we celebrate it. The children were dressed up and represented the gods we worship during the festival of Diwali. We also had numerous dance performances and models showcased local dress makers and other cultural items,” he said, adding that all participants were awarded certificates of appreciation for their dedication and outstanding performances.

The night ended off with a Bhangra bash disco which lasted until 01:00 the next morning.

Gounden said, “It was a magical day. Everyone was excited and put a lot of effort into the day. The significance of Diwali, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, resonated throughout the event.”

The Illovo Diwali Committee thanked all the volunteers and sponsors whose support made the event possible.

“Their efforts were instrumental in ensuring that the show ran smoothly and successfully captured the spirit of Diwali,” said Gounden.

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