HIS MAJESTY KING MISUZULU HOSTS HISTORIC 11TH BAYEDE DIWALI FESTIVAL AT EMASHOBENI Pongola

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date: 25 October 2026 

- History was made on 23rd October 2026, as His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini hosted the 11th Annual Bayede Diwali Festival at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola for the first time since ascending to the Throne.

The Festival was co-hosted by the *Sivananda World Peace Foundation and Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu*, Royal Ambassador for Social Cohesion and Economic Development, in continuation of the legacy of our late Father, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu.

A Triumph of UnityIn his address, His Majesty called for stronger ties between Zulu and Indian communities, urging both to embrace each other's cultures to tackle unemployment, gender-based violence and social divisions.

His Majesty invited Indian communities to participate in the annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance), while inviting Zulu people to attend Durban's festivities hosted by indian communities, declaring that greater cultural understanding is essential to building a united KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. 

His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini stated: "The Zulu Royal Household remains firmly dedicated to championing programs that uplift, unite, and bring peace to all people within our Kingdom. This celebration is far more than a display of cultural tolerance; it is a profound declaration of absolute acceptance and brotherhood. 

Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu said: "Everything happens by the Will of God and as one door closes another opens. His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini graciously bestowed upon me the honour of being part of the Zulu Royal Family as Mabheka Zulu. Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and unity over division. 

The Bayede Diwali Festival is a living symbol that African culture and Indian culture are not two worlds, but one family bound by spirituality, respect and Ubuntu. When we celebrate side by side, our apparent differences disappear. As I said at Emashobeni, history is being made. 

"The programme featured multicultural music, dance, fashion and culminated in a spectacular fireworks display at the Royal Palace, bringing together traditional leaders, faith leaders, dignitaries, government and communities from across KZN. 

The Festival honoured the contribution of South Africans of Indian descent and the sacrifices of Indian indentured labourers. We thank His Majesty for his visionary leadership and all who made the 11th edition a resounding success. Issued by Office of Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu Royal Ambassador for Social Cohesion and Economic Development Sivananda World Peace Foundation