‘By P. Sarojini’
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CWBN)_ Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated in south Africa this year, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A grand Diwali function was organized by the Indian community living in South Africa. The celebration took place in Johannesburg on Saturday and was attended by many South African Diplomats and elected representatives, including the Mayor of Johannesburg Geoff Makhubo. During his speech on the auspicious occasion, the Mayor said that though this year’s festival of light is not celebrated in a grand manner due to COVID-19 restrictions, the city still represents the festival in a true sense.
The Diwali festival party was hosted by the Consul General of India Anju Ranjan at India House in Johannesburg. The Mayor referred Johannesburg city as city of lights and said “Historically, Johannesburg is the ‘city of light’”. Whenever migrants came to the city from rural areas looking for gold, they referred to Johannesburg as ”maboneng” (city of light in Sesotho language)”.
The Diwali dinner festival included many locals, Indian migrants and members of the diplomatic corps. The Mayor, while addressing the gathering, spoke about the PANDEMIC and its impact on the country. He advised the people not to take advantage of the relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, since the virus is still there and could result in the second wave. He said “So when you talk of light triumphing over darkens during Diwali, this is where it is ‘the city of Johannesburg’”. I am very happy that President Cyril Ramaphosa has opened up (relaxed some COVID-19 regulations), but let’s remember that COVID-19 is still here and (lets) not take it for granted. The infections are increasing and Johannesburg can be the epicenter again”.
Mayor Geoff Makhubo concluded his speech saying that the people should together battle and defeat the coronavirus, and like Diwali, the light should triumph over the current darkness and bring peace to the world. He said “Let light triumph over darkness; let goodness prevail over evil. Goodness will always prevail and good men and women of this world will rise up and reclaim this world. Let’s defeat coronavirus, let’s defeat war and let there be peace in the world”.
Later, in an attempt to portray the Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the exhibition of Ayurvedic medicinal plants was opened by the Mayor together with Anju Ranjan. Ranjan said that November 13 has been declared as National Ayurvedic day by the Government of India to honor ‘Dhanvantri’ who is the founding father of ancient health system.
Apart from this, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also wished the country’s Hindu community on the Diwali occasion. He said that the observance of Diwali in South Africa had deep historical roots that dates back to 1860. He thanked the Hindu community for greatly enriching the country’s culture.
Edited by Elishya Perera
