What’s happening at Durban Festival of Chariots 2013
Culturally Many Spiritually One
Celebrating Social Cohesion in the playground City of Durban
On Stage…
It’s an unforgettable line up of free entertainment featuring Freshlyground (Monday, 1 April 5pm) and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra (Sunday, 31 March, 5pm). From the soulful KwaMashu Gospel Choir (TBA) to the sumptuous and sizzling, Deena SA
Masterchef (Saturday, 30 March 3-5pm), we are turning up the heat on the main stage. Join our Premier, Mayor and other distinguished guests as we kick off our shoes and pick up some drums. Here’s to the beat of harmony; culturally many spiritually one. You can look forward to a fusion of poetry dance, drama, and martial arts. Prepare to be dazzled. On the lawn…
Culturally Many - Interfaith Seminars
(Daily 1-8pm)
From revered religious leaders to the everyday spiritual aspirant, all are welcome! Community Stalwarts such as His Holiness V.V Shembe—the Shembe Leader, AV Mohammed—the head of the Grey Street mosque, Bishop Rubin Phillips, the Dean of the Anglican Church, Dr Ngobese—the cultural leader of the Pemier’s office, Indradyumna Swami come together for panel-discussions on topics such as:
• Taking responsibility for actions
• Glorifying the names of God
• The environmental crisis – a spiritual solution
• The role of women in Society
In the spirit of unity, this interfaith community focuses of the common theme of compassion, tolerance and concern for justice in all religions. It is a positive step in the direction of a social cohesive South Africa. Ask, Discover and Explore
(Daily 1-8pm)
Dynamic and interactive, the Ask, Discover and Explore booth is the place to be for captivating presentations that are logical and relevant. If you’re teeming with a million questions then here’s your oasis. It’s guaranteed to quench your thirst and leave you enlightened and enlivened. Here’s a sneak preview:
Dreams and reality
Does the soul exist? Leaving religion to find God. Transcending your circumstances with a daily spiritual practice
Science, evolution and intelligent design
Yoga Meltdown
(7am, Daily 1-8pm)
Take a load off. It's information overload out there, now’s the time to clear the mind, stretch the body and awaken the soul. Leading local yoga teachers will guide you to a new high during our beach yoga sessions. Register online. Kirtanuity
(Daily from 11am till 10pm)
Connecting through sound—it says it all! Join us for 11 minutes or 11 hours and make a connection. Don’t miss out on our all star kirtan cast featuring Madhava, Bada Hari, Govinda Swami, Mahatma, and many more. Must-Meet Personalities
We feature internationally acclaimed life coach Mahatma Das (USA) with The Art of Forgiveness. Empower and enliven your spirit and get the tools to chisel change in your life. Vedic astrologer, Sri Radha Govinda (IND), will be exploring topics such as “Relationships” and “How to mess up your life with astrology.” Having authored of multiple books on astrology, she will be ready and available on site for individual readings. Thinking about going natural? Pop in at our retail store and visit Ayurvedic Specialist, Vaidya Tapas…(IND). You will discover all-natural, interesting and cost-effective methods to improve and maintain your health…including Cleopatra’s beauty secret. On the promenade…
Friday Float Parade
(10.30am-1pm)
Join us as we parade down the promenade with giant chariots and a splay of cultural floats. A colorful blend of song and dance that’s sure to set your feet in motion. Prayer Lanterns
(Friday, March 30, 6pm)
In the company of the community’s religious icons, everyone can do their part in a collective prayer for peace. Watch the night sky light up as we attach our prayers to fire lanterns and let them take flight. On the Beach…
Rainbow Splash
(Sunday, 31 March, 3-5pm)
We bring the world’s bright and crazy festival of colour to Durban turf for the first time. Featuring fresh and funky D.J Deon Govender, it is going to be music and mayhem. Grab a bag of colour powder and wait for the countdown…A celebration of the rainbow nation in living colour. It is taking the world by storm and now it’s right here on your doorstep—and the best part? It is free! And all around…
The Shop
If “shop till you drop” is your mantra then our retail boutique is just where you want to be.. From the exotic eastern flavored garments for women to kiddie saris, and hand-crocheted dolls--it has something for every person and pocket. Don’t miss this range of exclusive treasures not to found anywhere else in the country. Govinda’s Food Court
Spoil yourself at our 500-seater centre court overlooking the ocean on the one side and the theatre on the other. The Govindas Food court comprises the following food cabins:
• Ocean Cuisine - Authentic Eastern delicacies
• Splash - Fast foods, American / Italian fusion
• Oasis Sweets – A heaven for the addicted, sweet tooth.
• Thirsty Well – Quenching thirsts of our people, in true South African style
It’s east meets west and totally affordable. Real food prepared within minutes. Be sure to check out our eating competitions. Keep the Kids Spellbound
The entire site will come alive with a host of carnival festivities; Men on stilts, mimes, clowns, face painters, tattoo artists and much more. A variety of arts and crafts such as scrapbooking, hair braiding and kite making keep them energetically entertained. African Tale of Wonder Treasure Hunt! Come one, come all, there’s a tale to be told
Read our larger than life comics, and let the morals unfold
Ten comics there are in total, five morals you must understand
Then search all around the site for our magic POCKET MAN
Tell him the morals, and just wait and see
In one of his pockets a treasure there will be
Dunk the Demon
Whatever our kind or creed, we all have those niggling bad habits we’d be better angels without. In the fun-filled and action packed “Dunk the demon”, life size action figures personify different vices and we get the chance dunk ‘em. Yes, really! Watch them go head first into the dunk tank. Each bad quality will be explored by the much-loved story teller Bhakti Caitanya Swami, who will give us insight how we can rid them our hearts as well. The Hare Krishna Mime
Who is he? What does he do? Find him onsite and learn the answers to those questions! So don’t miss out—join us from Friday till Monday for an unforgettable experience. Culturally Many Spiritually One
Celebrating Social Cohesion at the Durban Festival of Chariots 2013
