SA India Day Carnival set to provide a vibrant family festival
The entrance is free, with the right of admission reserved. There will be a range of artisan booths, clothing merchandise and small businesses offering a range of products, as well as a children’s entertainment area.
South Africans will be joining global audiences on August 10 in celebrating one of the most significant days on the Indian calendar.
Marked in all festivals and events diaries around the world, India’s 72nd anniversary of independence promises to be a global treat, and South Africa will be joining in.
This year’s festival organiser, India Club SA, is pulling out all the stops to create a carnival experience that celebrates India’s 72 years and South Africa’s 25 years of freedom.
The festival, taking place at Carnival City, is getting bigger this year and welcomes all South Africans to come together in creating a memorable experience of the Independence Day.
Arts, culture, cuisine and an array of live events are planned, including performances by over 300 artists and a fashion show.
From the Cape Malay koeksister to Turkish baklava and Indian butter chicken, this year sees a much more inclusive programme of diverse cultures participating at the event.
The one-day event will not only celebrate Indian cuisine in a food market that offers a taste of the Indian continent’s many signature dishes, but will host a Turkish food market and showcase the Cape Malay food culture, which distinctive flavours are highly sought-after throughout SA.
In line with celebrating India–SA relationships, the live programme is a smorgasbord of performances, including 28 dance groups representing the provinces and cultures of India and South African performers, such as Nonn Botha with DJ Zuby and performances by the Soweto Shining Stars Production.
On the main stage, Soweto’s Quava Vocal Group is set to enthral audiences with their style of choral music rich in classical jazz and African influences. The choir was formed in 2009 by former University of Johannesburg Choir members wanting to continue to share their passion for vocal performance.
The much-loved and highly sought-after dance troupe Anavarata Dance Institute returns to wow festival-goers with their inimitable performances. Anavarata is headed by Anusia, who studied Bharata Natyam and Kathak (all three gharanas) under her pioneering Indian classical mother and aunt (in South Africa), since childhood.
The audience will also get a chance to experience an aura of Sufi singing and Lord Shiva from the students of the most diverse Indian classical music institute on the continent, Drisha Music Academy. The academy is run by guru Monali Shome, who herself is a student of well-known Indian classical singing legend Pt Ajay Chakraborty.
“Our vision is about creating a platform for various cultures from our two countries to come together and showcase the integration of cultural diversity,” said India Club SA vice-president John Francis.
“We want to build a narrative around the Indian culture and how it is celebrated in South Africa and to expose this culture to other communities; to educate and inform them about the Indian cultures.
“Furthermore, we hope to create a new platform for small businesses and to link small businesses to companies outside of the community, allowing them to network and market in a different space.”
SA Club India has also partnered with the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) to create a space where blood donations can be made. Donors will be able to make a deposit and support the SANBS with their drive.
They aim to collect an average of 3 000 units of blood every day nationally. With thousands of patrons expected to attend the free SA India Carnival, organisers are hoping to help the SANBS reach more donors.
The carnival will be open from 11am and closes at 10.30pm.
For further information contact Mayur Akole on 072 641 3058 or mayurakole@gmail.com
For stall bookings contact stalls.ind2019@gmail.com
