King Misuzulu to host first Bayede Diwali Festival at eMashobeni Royal Palace

Ask AI 2minKing Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu (right) with dignitaries at a previous Bayede Diwali Festival.

King Misuzulu will host the 11th annual Bayede Diwali Festival at eMashobeni Royal Palace on Friday, October 23, in a celebration aimed at promoting unity between Zulu, Indian and other communities.

He is continuing the legacy of his late father, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, who started the festival 10 years ago.

This year’s event will be hosted by King Misuzulu, the Sivananda World Peace Foundation and Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu.

The event will bring together Indian and Zulu communities, traditional leaders, dignitaries and people from all backgrounds. 

The programme will feature multicultural music, dance and fashion, and culminate in a fireworks display. 

In a statement, King Misuzulu said the Royal Household was committed to unity and peace.

He said the Zulu Royal Household remains firmly dedicated to championing programs that uplift, unite, and bring peace to all people within our Kingdom.”

Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu said this year’s festival holds special significance as the kingdom continued promoting the legacy of King Goodwill Zwelithini.

“King Zwelithini graciously bestowed upon me the honour of being part of the Zulu royal family and who envisioned a united, culturally rooted KZN.

His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu.

“Diwali is not merely a festival of lights. It is the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and unity over division. 

“The Bayede Diwali Festival is a living symbol of what King Zwelethini taught us, which is that African culture and Indian culture are not two worlds, but one family bound by spirituality, respect, and Ubuntu.”

He said for 11 years, the festival has stood as a bridge between communities, bringing together traditional leaders, faith leaders, government, and the people of KZN in prayer for peace, prosperity and social cohesion.

“We are deeply grateful to King Misuzulu for opening the doors of Emashobeni Royal Palace to host this sacred celebration, and for continuing the vision of late father.

“On behalf of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation guided by the teachings of Gurudev Swami Sivananda: Serve, Love, Be Good, Do Good, I extend a warm invitation to all cultural, religious and community leaders, and to all the people of South Africa, to join us.

“When we celebrate side by side, our perceived differences vanish, leaving behind an unbreakable framework of social harmony,” he said.

The organisers invite all communities to participate in the celebration and renew their commitment to dignity, peace and a shared future.