150th Anniversary of Indians in SA Celebration Raceday

photo by Pinky Mothie


Music, dance and mouth-watering food, interspersed with exciting horseracing, will pervade the Greyville Racecourse in Durban on Saturday, November 13, in celebration of the country’s Indian community whose forefathers stepped ashore in Durban 150 years ago.



Since then, South Africa’s cosmopolitan landscape has been enriched by the influence of one of the most colourful nations of the world who arrived in small numbers to grow and become among the most commercial and socially influential in the country.



The adventurous spirit of those first 342 Indian “settlers”, indentured by the British to work in the cane fields and coal mines, still burns bright in the hearts of the huge Indian community that is today an integral part of the South African population and leaders in every sphere, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.



Their enormous contribution will be honoured by a special race meeting organised by Gold Circle where everyone is welcome and a fantastic free trip to India, as well as other valuable prizes, can be won.



It will be an experience not to be missed as the atmosphere is infused with the spirit of India in music and dance by professional dancers featuring a variety of styles from Bharathanatyam through Bollywood and Tollywood to the classical with Afro-fusion as the grande finale.



Colour and beauty are central to Indian life and are evident in the magnificence of their traditional dress and the variety of spicy foods which attract people from all walks of life who seek the delights of their smorgasbord of tasty dishes. Such foods will be available from the host of stalls at the racecourse on the day while the Gold Circle chefs will be preparing a special menu of delectable Indian Cuisine in the Durban View Restaurant and all other food outlets on the course.



One of the highlights of the day will be the Sari Queen and Little Miss Eastern Wear competitions which are open to the public and offer cash and other prizes worth thousands of rands. The magnificent fabrics and colours of these traditional garments are something to behold.



The overseas trip competition is open to everyone with entry forms available at the Greyville gates on the day. The winner will receive two air tickets to magical Mumbai and accommodation for five nights in the second most populated city in the world.



Other prizes include six Sony Bravia 32” flat screen TVs and all prizes can only be claimed on-course on the day.



For this one day, the wonders and delights of incredible India will transform the confines of Greyville Racecourse, a unique experience in every way.



For Greyville Restaurant bookings contact Gail on 031 314 1780



Entry is free and all are welcome.

Enjoy Diwali to many of our visitors

This is precisely the sort of thing racing needs to do more of. Without community involvement, racing will go nowhere. Community involvement and charity are the two best ways to grow the sport.