The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa hosted its 69th Annual Southern KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Cultural Festival on Sunday, 5 July 2026, at Arena Park Hall, Chatsworth, Durban. The festival brought together more than 200 children and youth participants, with over 1,000 devotees, parents, family members, and well-wishers in attendance.

The day commenced with the traditional march past from Arena Park Secondary School, followed by the flag-hoisting ceremony. Throughout the programme, children and youth from the Ramakrishna Centre’s various branches and satsang groups across Southern KwaZulu-Natal presented a vibrant array of devotional songs, speeches, dances, dramatic sketches, and a special karate demonstration. Their performances reflected months of dedicated preparation and beautifully highlighted the values of devotion, discipline, self-confidence, and service.

The festival included inspiring talks from Revered Swami Swatmaramanandaji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa; Revered Swami Saradaprabhanandaji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Phoenix, and Revered Pravrajika Ishtaprana Mataji, Spiritual Head of the Sri Sarada Devi Ashram. In attendance was Revered Swami Lokasangrahananda, Founder of the Sivananda Vedanta Ashram. Professor Anil Chuturgoon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, delivered the keynote address. The festival was also attended by the Honourable Mr Justice Ranjiv Nirghin, President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha.

The festival included the publication of the 2026 edition of Tejasvi, the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa’s annual children’s activity book. Lunch Prasadh was served to all.

The Southern KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Cultural Festival remains one of the Ramakrishna Centre’s key annual events, providing young people with a platform to develop confidence, leadership, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of their spiritual and cultural heritage. Guided by the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, the festival continues to inspire children and youth to lead lives of character, compassion, and selfless service.

The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa extends its heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors, service providers, volunteers, teachers, parents, devotees, and well-wishers whose generous support and selfless service contributed to the resounding success of the festival.