Near Inanda, north of Durban, is a sacred site called Ekuphakameni, the ‘Place of Spiritual Upliftment’. It was named by Isaiah Shembe, prophet and founder of the Shembe Church. A major festival is held in mid-January at an equally sacred location, the mountain dubbed Nhlangakazi, some 30 kilometres north of Ekuphakameni. “Our pilgrimage to the … Read more
The suburb of Chatsworth in Durban is home to a majority Indian population. To accommodate their culture and rich heritage, they have set up landmarks which have now become popular tourist attractions. From the time they settled in Durban, they have created their own modes of adaptation, mainly the formation of temples to revive their … Read more
Contents 1 Background 2 The significance of the Kavady Festival 3 The observation of the festival 4 IsiZulu Summary 4.1 Okwenzeka ngaphambi kokuqala kwalomcimbi Background Ever year thousands of Hindus gather around temples in Durban to observe the Kavady Festival in worship of Lord Muruga, a deity in Hinduism. It is a Hindu festival and … Read more
The Muslim community in Durban forms a generous fraction of the Indian community in Durban. They were also determined to maintain and spread their religion wherever they settled. The rise of a Muslim culture in Durban dates back to the history of Saint Badsha Peer and Soofie Sahab. The grave of Saint Badsha Peer is … Read more
Contents Background The mythology for the fast The fasting prayer methodology Benefits from observing Purtassi. Background Every year the Tamil Indians in the Durban community observe a fast during the period from 17th September till the 17th of October, marking a month’s fast called the Purtassi fast. Purtassi is the Tamil word for September and … Read more
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu auspicious night dedicated to the creator deity referred to as Lord Shiva in Hinduism. It is celebrated and observed throughout the world annually and in Durban it is an important day for Hindus as they flock to local temples to partake in this holy night also known as the Great … Read more