Diwali - fashion, food and fireworks

Geeta Garach, left, Payal Thakar and Hari Patel with various Diwali treats.

Geeta Garach, left, Payal Thakar and Hari Patel with various Diwali treats.

Published Oct 18, 2017

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Durban - As you walk through the gates of the Swaninarayan Hindu Mission (BAPS) in Berea, your taste buds are sent into overdrive as the smell of freshly made sweetmeats permeates the air.

Seated under a white tent, a team of volunteers, part of the mission’s fund-raising project, Shyona Sweetmeats and Savouries, tirelessly prepare a range of treats to sell ahead of Diwali.

“The gifting or exchanging of sweetmeats is one of the ways Hindus celebrate Diwali. We make authentic Indian delights using recipes from India,” said the chief co-ordinator of the mission’s women’s wing, Geeta Garach.

Traditional eats

Other than the traditional eats, including gulab jamun and chana magaj, the team is preparing cashew nuts sweets, rainbow burfi and fruit-shaped treats.

Garach said the mission started in India in 1907 and had since spread across the world.

“The first branch in South Africa was opened in 1955 and we have nine centres across the country. We are currently under the leadership of divine holiness Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj.

“Each centre makes and sells sweetmeats throughout the year and during the build-up to Diwali the demand increases.”

Items were charged according to weight and the proceeds from the sale went towards the mission’s upkeep, feeding schemes and projects, she said.

Project co-ordinator Hari Patel said they provided a variety of imported packaging to store the delicacies.

“We have standard boxes made out of cardboard, patterned boxes with slide-on covers as well as octagon- and dome-shaped boxes.”

One of the more unusual packaging, he said, was boxes covered in bandhani sari designs and material with gold braiding. “For those looking for something fancier, we have beautifully decorated boxes with latches.

“Once all the sweetmeats are eaten or removed, it can be used as a jewellery box.”

The boxes are only sold with sweetmeats and are priced from R80.

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