Arya Samaj hosts Madikizela-Mandela memorial

DEVOTEES from far and wide graced the Arya Samaj Hall in Raisethorpe to honour the passing of the late struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela over the weekend.

Priest Kirun Satgoor spoke at the memorial service giving a moving tribute on behalf of the Arya Samaj South Africa Midlands region dedicated to the contributions made by Madikizela-Mandela in her fight and struggles against apartheid, labelling her as a global icon. Advocate Ranjiv Nirgin was also present expressing his gratitude for all that Madikizela-
Mandela had done for the freedom of her people in South Africa.

The memorial service commenced with a hawan (prayer) being conducted by members of the Arya Samaj of Pietermaritzburg which is a sacred purifying ritual in Hinduism that involves a fire ceremony.

The members did this by lighting objects such as fruit, honey and wood, which in Hinduism is believed to burn any bad spirits if they are present and ultimately bringing health, happiness, luck and prosperity once the sacrifices are made.

Madikizela-Mandela passed away on April 2 and was laid to rest over the weekend.

https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/Maritzburg-Fever/arya-samaj-hosts-madikizela-mandela-memorial-20180417