SA India Day Carnival
South Africans will be joining global audiences on 10 August 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 organizer 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 OTT India Day of previous years organised by India Club SA is getting bigger this year and becoming an integrated South African Indian carnival that welcomes all South Africans to come together in creating a memorable experience of their 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 Koeksuster to Turkish Baklava and Indian Butter Chicken, this year sees a much more inclusive program 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 whose distinctive flavours are highly sought after throughout SA.
In line with celebrating India–SA relationships, the live program 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 up by Anusia, who studied Bharatanatyam and Kathak (all 3 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 MonaliShome, who herself is a student of well-known Indian Classical singing legend Pt. Ajay Chakraborty.
The carnival will be open from 11h00 and closes at 22h30. 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, hosted by Pepsi. There will be excellent prizes and special deals up for grabs during the day.
“Our vision is about creating a platform for various cultures from our two countries to come together and showcase the integration of cultural diversity. 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,” says India Club SA Vice PresidentJohn Francis, who is also Vice President of the club.
“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.”
“The Carnival promises to be a highlight on the Joburg calendar, and we want to convey a message to the world that when diverse cultures come together it gives us an ocean of love, peace, and harmony,” she adds.
SA Club India has also partnered with the South African Nation 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 3000 units of blood every day nationally. With thousands of patrons expected to attend the free SA India Carnival organizers are hoping to help the SANBS reach more donors.
For further information contact Mayur Akole on 0726413058 or email: mayurakole@gmail.com
For stall bookings: stalls.ind2019@gmail.com
For interview requests and all other media queries, please contact JT Communications at media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Note to Editor
The SA India Day Carnival is hosted by SA India Club and is a free event (with the right of entry reserved).
Please note no Pork, Beef or alcohol is permitted
Over 300 performers will enthral audiences throughout the day
At the carnival, people will have access to a huge Pepsi family lounge to enjoy games and have fun with their families
“At the carnival, Satguru Travel visitors will have the opportunity to avail exclusive airline ticket offers like “Buy one and get other at half the price”.
Exciting news for those attending the SA India Day Carnivalsome air carriers will be offering a special discount of up to 45%.
There will also be Cruise Liners offering exclusive promotional fare like “Buy one and get 2 Free”.
Superb raffle prizes to grab includes Car rental voucher for two days, Travel insurance coverage for a week, and the mega prize is “Airline ticket to/from India” and another one being “class upgrade voucher” and exclusive rates from a prominent Game reserve lodge for the carnival visitors especially.
The South African Blood Bank will be hosting a donation drive during the carnival.