The world’s number one bowler and IPL star Durban-born Keshav Maharaj’s autographed cricket bat and number six shirt will be up for grabs in the Lotus FM charity auction at Saturday’s Msunduzi Diwali Festival, hosted by the Midlands Hindu Society.

Among the variety of events, which started on Friday with a bhangra DJ Challenge and will end tomorrow, October 20, with the Bhakti Sangeet Live broadcast between 5pm and 7pm, today’s auction has already drawn huge interest from cricket fans.

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Top-ranked ODI cricketer, captain of the Durban Super Giants, and vice-captain of the Proteas side in limited overs cricket, Keshav Maharaj donated the items in the spirit of supporting worthy causes.

He has signed both his number six T-shirt and a cricket bat from the Indian Premier League and Twenty20 for the auction.

“We are overjoyed and thankful to his contribution. We are grateful for all that we receive and hope our Raam brings us a golden arrow,” said vice-president of the Midlands Hindu Society (MHS), Sherry Mahabeer.

The funds collected through the auction will be used to supplement the weekend’s festivities and will be directed to all MHS’s Diya of Hope projects.

Diwali is a time of giving and sharing, a time of fostering brotherhood and harmony among our fellow beings.

“May we be reminded to show respect and tolerance during this time of festivity,” Mahabeer said.

Saturday’s programme will start with a float procession from City Hall to the Golden Horse Casino in Scottsville where various schools of dances will perform for majority of the day. In the evening, the main highlight of a fireworks display will take place approximately at 7pm.

The auction will start at 1pm and closing of bids is at 6pm.

Radio stations Lotus FM and Hindvani will also be broadcasting from the grounds.

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Sunday marks the end of the programme with a “spiritual emphasis” with a mass hawan and devotional renditions as well as an address by Swami Vedanand Saraswati and a live broadcast of Lotus FM’s Bhakti Sangeet, culminating with a mass aarti.

For those interested in bidding, you can bid at the MHS tent or WhatsApp at 082 498 4867, or email at [email protected] with your full name, bid amount and contact details.