More than 15,000 people came together to celebrate India Day this weekend at the iconic Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event marked India’s Independence Day (August 15).
Hosted by India Club, the 12-hour event yesterday saw non-stop entertainment featuring ethnic Indian dances, performed by expats who have formed associations in South Africa as well as local artistes from all South African communities.
Several Indian companies in South Africa had stalls featuring their products and services, while queues formed at food joints offering all the regional cuisines of India alongside South African fare.
“We are delighted at the ever-increasing support that we find from not only local and expatriate Indians, but [also from] hundreds of people from the other communities in South Africa,” said India Club Chairman Manish Gupta, who explained that the weekend preceding August 15 was always selected for convenience.
India Club has been hosting the event annually, but had to suspend it for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gupta said, “After starting as a small event 15 years ago to mark India’s Independence Day on August 15 at a shopping centre in the suburb of Randburg in Johannesburg, we moved to the popular Zoo Lake outdoor venue a few years ago.
“The COVID pandemic brought an abrupt end to our plans for two years, but last year we realised that even the Zoo Lake had become too small to cater for all, so we moved to the Wanderers, which was again filled last night.”
Newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Prabhat Kumar said, “I’m out of India now, but I feel like I’m back in India. I see the whole of India here. So many people from different regions and states of India are being represented here.”
Television presenter Nkosazana Dambuza and her partner Mlue Maguba garnered considerable attention for their traditional outfits, which they had specially tailored during a trip to India.
Indian Consul General in Johannesburg Mahesh Kumar launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign by distributing the tricolour to many young people and business leaders at the event.
Funds collected from the event were presented to the internationally-renowned charity and relief organisation Gift of the Givers.