After a 2009 Diwali festival (an important celebration in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism), Mahes started visualising a more inclusive celebration of light over darkness to include people from various religious fraternities. The main message she had in mind was, ‘We are all one’. Although people follow many different religions, Mahes says, "We are all divine human beings".
Representatives from the Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Rastafari and Hindu communities were invited to use this event as a platform to speak about the unity of the human race. Mahes suggests that this was a difficult task as it is common for people of strong religious convictions to be of the opinion that their chosen religion is superior to other religions. However, these representatives remained true to their word and did not abuse the platform, each delivering messages of the universal love of the Creator for the creation and human beings.
Mahes says: "People were moved. I was impressed with the crowd and their respect for all the speakers." She quotes Mahatma Ghandi as saying: "Be the change you want to see...", and adds, "but don’t stop there".
Mahes thinks that people should work together to make a difference for our children. As a parent to a child of mixed racial heritage, Mahes became acutely aware that racism is alive and well in Plettenberg Bay. She believes that the way to alleviate this problem is by raising peoples’ awareness and providing a platform to promote intercultural understanding and peaceful relations among humans.
The Green Skin Initiative was as such incorporated into this event. (See www.greenskin.org.za) "This initiative was someone's idea but it isn't owned by anyone. Its mission is to infect every human being with the virus of non-racism. It can be done"
Says Mahes: "Collective energy is far more powerful." She would like to see Plettenberg Bay united in favour of peace. "This was the first of many events," she smiles.
The Candle Concert hosted performers such as Heather Waters from Cape Town, Brent Kozak featuring Lorette Pagel from Knysna, The Reggae Ambassadors from Judah Square and, of course, Plett’s own talented musicians, Ben Badenhorst, Martin Wolfaardt, Chris Morningstar and Raven (also known as The Band of Pan).
Phakamisami Primary School’s choir performed alongside Simon Kikka of the Bitou Kikka Opera. Drum Nexus Afrika brought an assortment of drums and many local amateur ‘musos’ joined in the drumming. Belly-dancing and fire-dancing displays also took added to the thrill of the event.
Some locals set up stalls selling food and non-alcoholic drinks. All stall-holders sold out, and based on the quantity of food sold it is estimated that more than 1 000 people attended the event.
Local business people ask Mahes, "So, did you make money?" to which she responds, "It’s not about the money," adding that the costs were covered thanks to generous sponsors and donations from the public. The crowd was conscientious about littering and no trace was left on the beach after volunteers cleaned up within only an hour.
Mahes noticed that a number of people made either a brief appearance or none at all. She attributes this to the alcohol culture which dictates that Friday night is for going out drinking and clubbing, while the Plett for Peace event is an alcohol-free event. "I enjoy a glass or two of wine," says Mahes, "but this event is alcohol-free in respect of our divine nature."
Vinni is already thinking about next year’s event. "The performers wanted monitors," says Vinni. "Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it mustn’t be perfect next time." She thinks that the event should be held during the day next year so that more schools will get involved and more people will be inclined to attend an alcohol-free event. She also hopes that more businesses will get involved, as well as people from other towns. She hopes to see residents of the greater Plett community united in peace and non-racialism. She would like to see the kids getting involved in driving this initiative.
ARTICLE: CANDICE LUDICK
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Brent Kozak and Lorette Pagel perform at the Plett for Peace Candle Concert on November 5.
