A GALA Diwali ball and queen competition will be held at the Malabar Community Centre as a fund-raiser for the Malabar Home for the Aged on Saturday, November 9.
In the ’70s and ’80s the Shamrocks annual Diwali Ball and Queen competition was the highlight of the social calendar in the Northern Areas and tickets were sold out well in advance.
Although Deepavalli, or Diwali, as it is commonly known, is a Hindu festival, the queen competition was open to all young women irrespective of race or religion.
Since the demise of the Alabama Hotel, following the 1989 riots, the event was moved to other venues and slowly faded away.
This year, Diwali will be celebrated by Hindus all over the world on October 29.
The chairperson of the old age home, Mogan Segadavan and the late Boya Chetty were the main organisers of the ball in its heyday.
“Last year we organised a Diwali dance and it was a huge success,” Segadavan explained.
“After the dance, a number of people approached me and suggested we revived the event. “Although the ball has not been launched yet a number of tables have already been booked and we already have entrants for the competition. I am certain the event will be sold out,” Segadavan added.
Young ladies aged between 18 and 25 are invited to enter the Diwali queen competition. Entries will close on Sunday, September 15.
For more info contact Samantha on 041 457 5805.
