Dr. Murthi Sooboo, Chairperson of  Annadanam, “Deepavalli is one of the most celebrated events or festivals within the Hindu calendar. Simply put, it means a row of lights. The significance of Deepavalli is beyond this article and has multiple meanings, but in each theme of celebration it confirms that Good has triumphed over Evil, so that light is ushered during this Auspicious Occasion.

This year Deepavalli will be celebrated on Thursday, November 4, 2021. It’s a period of reflection, as over the last year many families who celebrate Deepavalli have lost loved ones during this ongoing pandemic. So, prayers to those departed souls will be the 1st part of recognition of this Festival.

Besides the pomp of the celebration, prayers at the Temple, at home, new clothes, meeting family members and friends are a norm to wish love and happiness during this period. The exchanging of gifts and expressions of warmth toward each other is another expression of God’s love. Fireworks are also part of the tradition. In today’s times, one must act responsibly within our neighbourhoods by restricting our celebrations to an acceptable time. In addition, ensure that animals are also protected, especially from the noisy fireworks that are available in today’s times.

One must recognize the wonderful work done by many organizations and individuals who have dug into their pockets to ensure Deepavalli can be celebrated by families who are experiencing hardship during these tough economic times. 

It’s always been a period of subdued celebration for those undertaking examinations at Secondary or Tertiary Institutions. Those writing their Matric examinations are usually affected. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, as education remains a priority for the generations to come. Remember to study well to ensure the success you deserve. 

May I take the opportunity to wish my family, friends, and the community at large, who is celebrating Deepavalli, the very best. Let the spirit of Love and Light reach all those during this period.”

Thevasakthi Pillay of the Laudium Tamil Association, “Vannakam. On this most auspicious pathway to illuminating our lives with love and prosperity, celebrating with family and friends, let us be reminded; We are currently experiencing the darkest days of our lives with unexplainable loadshedding, the malicious wanton kidnapping of innocent children and prominent businessmen and the alarming general insecurity in the country as we approach “silly season” which is at its peak. This Deepavalli let us aspire to remove negativity. Once we remove this, we will receive clarity and in this clarity, do we see Light.
The Laudium Tamil Association expresses its  most heartfelt prayers, thoughts & blessings to you & your esteemed family over this annual transition from Darkness into Light. May  these lamps of hope illuminate our homes and hearts with peaceful, enduring love & spirituality.

Please let us all light a devotional lamp or candle on 4 November, for the safe return of the Moti children.”

Guru Reggie Naidoo of Shri Muthumari Angalaeshwari Temple, “Vananakam, Namaste Namaskaram. 

On behalf of our Guru and Shri Muthumari Angalaeshwari Temple, we wish all mankind a happy and prosperous Deepavalli. May our Divine Goddess Maha-Lutchmi bless us all with good health and prosperity. May she bestow her Divinity in every lamp lit in every home on this auspicious day. All Devotees are welcome to join us in a mass “Homam-Hawan” dedicated to Maha-Lutchmi, on Deepavalli morning: Brown Street Temple: 4th November 2021: 8am sharp. For further enquiries contact our Guru on: 0823565146. Aum Shakthi, Parashakthi Aum.”

Mansi Nandani of Olivine Street: “On this auspicious Festival of Lights, may the glow of joy, prosperity, & happiness illuminate your days in the year ahead. HAPPY DIWALI!”
Jhanvi Valand of 5th Ave, “May this Diwali , come up with beautiful beginnings, fresh hopes, bright days and new dreams.        WISHING YOU A HAPPY DIWALI!”

Khushi Nandani of Olivine Str: “Candles to enjoy life; Decorations to light life; Presents to share success; Firecrackers to burn evils; Sweets to sweeten success, and Worship to thank God! Wish you a joyous and prosperous Diwali!”

Trevor Brahmadu and Michelle Pillay of Onyx Str, “May the light illuminate each and every heart and home. Happy Deepavali from us newlyweds.”

Guruji Sunilbhai Bhatt of Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj, “Diwali is the celebration of light in other words. Diwali is the celebration of the victory of light over darkness. It’s the victory of good over evil. People worldwide celebrate this beautiful night by lighting up diyas and doing a lot of fireworks. The sky becomes so bright with many of fire rockets. This night is so colourful as people decorate their houses with diyas and rangolis. I pray to God on this Diwali to bless you with peace, prosperity and good fortune. Happy Diwali.”
Nishan Pillay, Priest of Karumariamman Temple, “Vannakam. On behalf of the devotees and youth of Shree Muthmari Angalaeshwari Temple (SMAT) and the Karumariamman Temple, we would like to wish everybody a happy and prosperous Deepavalli.”

Dhvinsi Valand of 5th Avenue, “I wish that the bright lights of Diwali guide you through your way out of every streak of trials in this life … hoping you and your family will have a happy, safe and blessed Diwali.”