SOUTH AFRICANS OF INDIAN ORIGIN FLOCK TO TEMPLES ON GOOD FRIDAY

(DEVOTEES AT THE GANESHA TEMPLE IN BUCCLEUGH IN JOHANNESBURG)

(THE BUCCLEUGH GANESHA TEMPLE IN JOHANNESBURG ON GOOD FRIDAY)

( BUCCLEUGH GANESHA TEMPLE IN JOHANNESBURG ATTRACTS HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE) By Subry Govender South Africans of Indian-origin once again this year on Good Friday gathered at various temples throughout the country to offer their prayers. While thousands visited the Mariammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe and the Isipingo Temple, south of Durban, hundreds of devotees also visited temples in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Scores of people participated and offered their prayers at the Buccleugh Ganesha Temple in Johannesburg. Devotees here said they have noticed an increase in the number of people in Johannesburg who attend these and other prayer services. "It seems there is a re-awakening among our people," said Mr Aubrey Raman, one of the officials who participated in the prayer services. The officiating priest called on the people to become fully involved in the promotion of their customs and cultures. He also reflected on social issues and called on people not to waste water. "Water is precious and we must take care when using this scarce commodity, especially at a time when we are experiencing a drought." The pilgrimage to the temples will continue throughout the Easter weekend, especially at the Mount Edgecombe and Isipingo temples in Durban. ends - Subry Govender (March 25 2016)