The Rossburgh Shree Raam Bhajan Group, a small community bhajan group in Rossburgh, south of Durban, has grown into a 105-year legacy of faith, family, and tradition. The group continues to gather to render traditional bhajans, or Indian devotional songs, to preserve generational heritage. With its roots in Rossburgh, then known as the old barracks of South Coast Junction, the group's history dates back to 1913.
According to Mishen Lutchmanna, the group's chairperson, the identities of the original founders could not be established from available records. However, in 1921, the group was inaugurated by several pioneer members. The group faced challenges when the Group Areas Act forced community members to move, but one of the pioneers, Mr. Chelliah from Merebank, continued the tradition. In 1978, his family and the Balramsamy family of Clairwood revived the group.
Lutchmanna said that despite the passage of time, the group remained committed to maintaining the traditional style of performing bhajans. The group offers the younger generation a place to express themselves and their talents. The bhajans are rendered at family homes and temples in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The group currently has over 40 members, ranging in age from 10 to 80, most of whom are from Merebank and Chatsworth.
Descendants of the Chelliah family are still members of the group. Some members, who now live outside the province and country, often return during the Hindu fasting period of Purtassi to join in the activities. The group's ongoing seva, or selfless service drives, community commitments, and annual donations to charities are among their highlights. Their objective is to propagate culture.
Lutchmanna has been part of the group for 25 years and described it as a meaningful and rewarding journey. He said it is more than a bhajan group; it is a part of his life, his heritage, and his connection to the community. Ronnie Naidoo, a 69-year-old member, has deep ties to the group, having joined 48 years ago. He was a member of an Indian music band and was influenced to compose his own hari bhajans for the group.
Naidoo said it was rewarding to render bhajans for families who took vows or wanted to give thanks. Gopal Govender, an 80-year-old member, has also been part of the group for 48 years. He was asked to join after watching a performance and was eager to learn despite being Tamil-speaking and the group members being Telugu-speaking. Govender played the cymbals and mridangam and has been helping train younger members.
Shivaan Sukdeo, a 16-year-old member, joined the group eight years ago and has been a drummer for the past five years. He said being part of the group allowed him to honour his culture and develop his talents. The group recently hosted a Raam bhajan at the Merebank Parasaktie Temple to mark its milestone anniversary. The group's legacy continues to inspire and bring the community together.
Key points
- The Rossburgh Shree Raam Bhajan Group has maintained its traditional style of performing bhajans for 105 years.
- The group has over 40 members, ranging in age from 10 to 80, from Merebank and Chatsworth.
- The group's objective is to propagate culture through seva, community commitments, and charitable donations.
