Umgeni Road Temple revives heartwarming Diwali tradition with the elderly
The Diwali organising team, from left: Naveen Reddy, Thomas Naidoo, Stanigar Joey Naidoo, Guru PB Sharma and Guru PN Sharma.
Image: Supplied
THE Umgeni Road Temple has once again lit up the festive season by reviving its tradition of celebrating Diwali with the elderly and underprivileged.
The celebration, to be held on Sunday, marks the continuation of an initiative that stopped for several years due to the deaths of key members and the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Residents from Tafta and other senior citizen clubs from across Durban will enjoy an afternoon filled with joy, music, and the festive spirit.
Thomas Naidoo, the vice chairman of the temple, said: “When we choose who to invite, we think about those who live close, so it is not strenuous for them to travel. On Sunday, we will give all the elderly organisations a chance to have fun."
Though the celebration is not open to the general public, invitations are extended to ensure the elderly are surrounded by familiar faces in a calm, welcoming environment, he said.
"We will have entertainment, like singing in both Tamil and Hindi, as well as dancing. The elderly will not be sent home empty-handed. They will be given food hampers and lunch.”
Last year marked the tentative return of the tradition, when the temple hosted the elderly from the Verulam Day and Frail Care Centre.
This year, the celebration is set to welcome about 400 guests.
“We are excited to see them all and continue a tradition close to our hearts. This initiative started as a way to give back to the community. Our forefathers built this temple and hall, so in their name we help others.
"For many of the elderly attendees, events like these may be their only opportunity to experience the joy of Diwali festivities, so we want to celebrate with them and make them happy."
The entertainment will be provided by local talents Marlin Kisten, Leon Mac Ramsamy, and Sharmaine Deol.