STATEMENT BY PRINCE ISHWAR RAMLUTCHMAN MABHEKA ZULU ON THE UPCOMING 11TH ANNUAL BAYEDE DIWALI FESTIVAL EMASHOBENI ROYAL PALACE.

 Bayede! Wena WeNdlovu! 

It is with profound honour and deep humility that I, on behalf of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, announce the hosting of the 11th Annual Bayede Diwali Festival, in association with His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, King of the Zulu Nation.

The Festival will be held at the Emashobeni Royal Palace, Pongola, on Friday, 23rd October 2026 at 14h00, under the auspices of the Private Office of His Majesty The King.

This year's Festival holds special significance as we continue promoting the legacy of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu who graciously bestowed upon me the honour of being part of the Zulu Royal Family and who envisioned a united, culturally rooted KwaZulu-Natal.

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 His Late Majesty taught us that African culture and Indian culture are not two worlds, but one family bound by spirituality, respect, and Ubuntu.For eleven years, this Festival has stood as a bridge between communities, bringing together traditional leaders, faith leaders, government, and the people of KwaZulu-Natal in prayer for peace, prosperity and social cohesion.

We are deeply grateful to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini for opening the doors of Emashobeni Royal Palace to host this sacred celebration, and for continuing the vision of His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill KaBhekuzulu.

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.May the light of the diya illuminate the Kingdom.

Issued by: Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu Founder, Sivananda World Peace Foundation and Royal Ambassador for Social Cohesion and Economic Development

Enquiries / RSVP:0833 578 747 | SIVANANDAWORLDPEACEFOUNDATION@GMAIL.COM

sheila.ntshingila@kznpremier.gov.za | 082 882 5053