The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will host KALA UTSAV, its annual festival of arts, on Sunday, November 27th at the PanditReepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar beginning at 10:00hours. The Utsav will see more than 200 young people under the age of 25 participate in a friendly competition in the categories of Ramayan Chanting, Male and Female Singing, Duet singing, Classical Dance, Folk Dance, Instrumental Music and Kirtan.
Kala Utsav, which was introduced by the Sabha more than twenty years ago, was conceived as an innovative way to propagate and preservetheIndian Art forms. Its intention is to motivate young people to continue the traditions of their for parents and to achieve excellence in the various art forms, while simultaneously building talent bases in the various regions. It is a launch pad for talented youths across the country and allows for talent to be discovered for future development. Trophies, certificates and cash incentives are given to all participants to encourage them.
Prior to the finalUtsav, each of the Sabha’s Praantsheld Preliminary Utsavs in their communities to pick the best to represent them at the finals. Participants will come from Upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, East Berbice, West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Coast Demerara and Essequibo.
One of the highlights of theUtsavis theRamayan Chanting category with the dramatic depiction. This is aimed at promoting elements of the Ramleela tradition and last year saw many creative and excellent presentations in this category.The Kirtan and Folk Dance segments have always been audience favourites this year is expected to be no different as large groups in these categories have been practising dedicatedly to put their best forward. It is anticipated that some amazing new singing talent will be discovered on Sunday was well. It is recalled that singers like Purnash Durgaprasad, Vishalie Sukram and Artie Sookhai made their debuts at Kala Utsav.
All are invited to come and be a part of this special day with the Sabha. Admission is free. The Sabha wishes to express its thanks to Digicel, Pepsi and others for their generous support.
