Diwali 2007 is right around the corner! Make sure you diarise the following dates:

Friday, 26 October 2007: Switch On
Saturday, 3 November 2007: Main Function

See you there!

Finally! The KwaDukuza Diwali Theme Park will be on SABC 2's Eastern Mosaic this Sunday, November 19.

While other large cities have been grabbing the limelight, the efforts and achievements of the KwaDukuza Diwali Committee have been overlooked. The Theme Park was the first of its kind in the country. For many of he visitors who marveled at the creation of the epic Ramayan, the dismantling of the park brought tears to their eyes and those of the Diwali Committee Members.

Now you have an opportunity to tape the event and keep it for posterity. So remember to tune in to SABC 2 at 11:00 am this Sunday. The programme will also be screened on Monday night.

It just keeps getting bigger and better!

Thousands of people flocked to the Manor Ground's Diwali Celebration hosted by the KwaDukuza Diwali Committee. After the euphoria of the Theme Park switch-on and the large crowds that visited the Park daily, the Diwali Committee were ecstatic at the tremendous response received from the public. True to form, it was the little ones from the local pre-schools and primary schools that had the crowd on their feet and clapping.

Deputy National Commissioner of the SAPS, Mala Singh, visited the Theme Park and said: "This little town of KwaDukuza has taken Diwali to another level. I travelled all over the country and never have had seen anything like this. It is only because of the peace and harmony shared between the communites and the Mayor Sdudozo Gumede that something like this would be possible. "KwaDukuza is the forefront of Nation Building, in joining hands and uplifting the country. The spirit of Diwali which is light over darkness is prevalent in this town. The people around you are so bubbly and so bright," said the Commissioner.

In his address, the mayor took pains to reassure the community that KwaDukuza belonged to all who live in it, irrespective of race and culture. The guest band, Saraswathie Impressions, had a power packed programme which included stand-up comedy, international dance troupes, and popular and talented local artists.

The magnificent fireworks display was placed in the competent hands of fireworks convenor, Ditto Kallichurum.

The KwaDukuza Diwali Committee chairperson, Sandeep Oudhram said: "As the curtain comes down on another fantastic Diwali Celebration, we look to youth and members of the community to take the celebrations to the next level."

The KwaDukuza Diwali Committee thanks all sponsors and funders for their generosity in making the celebrations a success.

The KwaDukuza Diwali Committee is proud to be recognised as holding the largest Diwali Celebrations on the North Coast. What started as a meeting of friends and family has progressed into a massive celebration that attracts crowds in excess of 13 000 people.

Seldom does the town of KwaDukuza experience the euphoria and shared pleasure in the celebration of Diwali.

The diverse crowd that attends this elaborate function is enthralled by the programme. On the recommendation of the Youth Wing of the Diwali Committee a new addition to the programme is the inclusion of all schools and pre-schools in the district. The excitement and thrills of performing on the large stage holds little fear for the new generation.

Each year the Diwali Committee tries to put together an entertainment package that will allow all members of the community to attend. Hence, the choice of popular and well recognised bands.

This year and for the very first time in the country, the creation of a Diwali Theme Park has generated phenomenal interest. It has always been a dream of the Diwali Committee to create such a park.

Through the hard work and dedication of the committee, this park has come to fruition. It is the wish and prayer of the committee that the Theme Park plays a role in the moral regeneration that our society so desperately seeks.

The park will be open 24 hours daily and night visits are a must. Adequate security is provided. Schools are encouraged to bring their learners to the park as part of Life Orientation learning.

The website of the Diwali Committee has enjoyed unprecedented interest. To date, more than 268 000 visitors have logged on to this informative website. The site will be updated on a daily basis so that friends and family all over the world can see what KwaDukuza does. Members can log on and create their very own photo albums. All sponsors and donors will be included on the website.

The Diwali Committee would also like to acknowledge and record the generosity of the community, business houses, individuals across religious spectrum, municipalities of KwaDukuza and Ilembe as well as the dedication and support of religious and cultural groups and the Committee members who have worked tirelessly, in trying circumstances to bring to you this grand auspicious occasion of Diwali.

"Service to Man is Service to God"

The countdown has begun for one of the most outstanding events to grace KwaDukuza.

What began as an idle talk on the merits of a Diwali Theme Park to rival similiar ideas from different religious and cultural groups in larger cities, the KwaDukuza Diwali Committee has embarked on one of its largest undertakings to date.

Not satisfied with the already high standards that have been set over the years, this year's "switch-on" promises to outdo even the grandest affairs of the past. Yes, the street lighting will be there, the torch bearers will be there, but so will the first ever Diwali Theme Park, the first of its kind in the Country.

In an extraordinary recreation of the epic Ramayan, the public will, for the first time, be taken on a journey of discovery that will display the sheer magnificent story of devotion, sacrifice, love, and respect that the Ramayan scriptures portray.

What is it that makes the Theme Park so unique? Paved pathways, whispering fountains, forest scenes vibrating to the chirpy sounds of birds and bees, a bridge over a gurgling stream culminating in the victory walk of Ram and Sita down the traditional row of lights symbolising the ultimate victory of Good over Evil will be on display for all to marvel at.

Twenty four hour access, and strict security will ensure that the public will be able to take a late night stroll to the the sights.

Strategically placed park benches will allow familes to bring their picnic baskets and enjoy an evening under the stars as they wait for budding entertainers to perform on the open air stage. Items include dances, songs and Bhangra music. A highlight will definitely be the SA Police Band who have an array of tunes to suit all tastes.

The Hare Krishna Group, Sanathan Mundal, Gujurati Mundal, Divine Life Society, and the Darnall Temple Group have confirmed their participation and will be performing on specific nights.

A 60 seater indoor cinema will be showing chapters of the Ramayan daily. Public can choose the times and chapters they want to view. Other religious DVDs will also be shown.

Informed members of different religious groups will be on hand to answer your questions.

Members of the public can contact Committee members of the Treasurer Bhim Ramnath to make their pledges either in cash or kind.

The Diwali Committee encourages the community to join in the celebration of one of the most auspicious occasions on the Hindu calendar.

The Committee is overwhelmed by the spontaneous assistance received thus far.