SOUTH AFRICA: Opening Their Hearts To The Aged And Destitute

Diwali, the most important of festivals of the Hindus world over, is being celebrated this week. It's called the Festival of Light, marking the victory of Good over Evil. More and more Hindus in South Africa celebrating Diwali are embracing the spirit of the festival by bringing joy to those less fortunate and the aged, reports Taschica Pillay. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (The Sunday Times), November 4, 2007: Diwali has traditionally been marked by the exchange of sweetmeats and gifts and large family feasts. However, an increasing number of Hindus are scaling down family festivities to support hamper distributions and feeding programmes. On Friday, residents of the Aryan Benevolent Home (ABH) in Chatsworth were treated to a pre-Diwali lunch. Shamila Surjoo, public relations officer of the ABH, said the home’s 600 residents, young and old, enjoyed biryani and live entertainment. “The kids received party packs, had their faces painted and were entertained by a clown. On Friday evening, the Dayanand Garden Stree Samaj women’s group organised a music and dance concert,” said Surjoo. She said the festivities would continue tomorrow when residents would be presented with gifts by Sentinel Logistics director Ranjith Ramnarain. “Every year, Mr Ramnarain hands out gifts to each child and elderly resident. Thereafter, residents are treated to a vegetarian meal and an evening of entertainment, with a switching-on of the Diwali lights. Last Saturday, the Duffs Road Child Welfare Society distributed 750 grocery hampers to the underprivileged in Phoenix, Duffs Road, Avoca Hills, Corovoca and Mount Moriah. Deochand Ganesh, vice-president of the society, said the hampers, worth R180, had been given to indigent families for the past 60 years. “There’s been an increase in the support for and donations towards this project. Each month, families who are in desperate need receive R150 food vouchers,” said Ganesh. The Phoenix Community Policing Forum last Sunday handed out 100 grocery hampers, each worth over R120. Roy Chitray, vice-chairman of the forum, said the hampers were distributed from the police station. “ It’s nice to know there are people out there who care. It also sends a message to the community that they shouldn’t always think of the police in a negative way. Although Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, the hampers were given to anyone in need . This is a time to give, share and spread joy to everyone,” said Chitray The Sarva Dharma Ashram in Welbedacht, Chatsworth, will celebrate Diwali by treating about 1500 people to a fun day. Swami Ramkripananda, head of the ashram, said it was a time of giving, sharing and bringing happiness to the underprivileged. “We will cater for the destitute . Vegetable biryani will be served after a service in the morning, followed by a talk on the significance of Diwali. We will also distribute about 350 grocery hampers and 300 small packs of fireworks to the children,” he said. He said the ashram fed almost 9000 people each week, thanks to donations which had increased substantially recently. The Times © Johnnic Media Investments Limited 1996-2007