The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has announced a countrywide series of motorcades as part of celebrations to mark Deepavali, or Diwali.
The Sabha announced that motorcades will be held in eight locations from November 2-5, 2018; Diwali will be celebrated on November 6th.
The largest motorcade will be held in Georgetown/ East Coast Demerara on November 5th and will culminate this year at the Chateau Margot Ground instead of the LBI Ground, where has been traditionally held.
“The change from the usual ending point at LBI to Chateau Margot is as a result of the LBI Community Centre Ground being leased to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) recently.
“The GCB has informed the Sabha that works will be commencing at the LBI Ground shortly and, as such, the ground is not available for this year’s motorcade,” the Sabha stated.
The November 5 motorcade will begin from the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbelville, Georgetown where the floats will assemble from 5:30pm and will leave at 6:30pm via its traditional route along Sandy Babb Street for Vlissengen Road and then along the Seawall to the Chateau Margot Ground, East Coast Demerara.
“The Chateau Margot Ground is located immediately before the LBI Ground and will be the site for a fabulous cultural programme and presentation of prizes starting at 7 p.m,” the Sabha stated in a press release.
Outstanding singers Neval Chatelal and Nishard Mayroo of Trinidad and Tobago will perform alongside top Guyanese artistes including the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Singh, Mona Gowkarran and others.
Admission at Chateau Margot is free and no alcohol will be allowed making it an excellent event for families.
Millions of dollars in prizes and trophies will be presented to winning floats. It is anticipated that more than 25 floats will participate in the motorcade.
“Over the last 44 years, the Diwali Motorcade has become a highlight is Guyana’s cultural and tourism calendar is considered as the largest event held in Guyana annually drawing thousands along the route of the motorcade and at the final venue.
“The floats have gotten more creative and extravagant each year and are truly a treat for the eyes and a reflection of excellent Guyanese creativity and workmanship. The floats will depict various themes associated with the festival of Diwali,” the Sabha stated.
In addition to the Georgetown/ ECD motorcade, motorcades will be held at the Anna Regina Ground in Essequibo on Friday November 2, at the Diamond Market Tarmac, East Bank Demerara and Oceanview Mandir Compound, West Coast Demerara on Saturday November 3rd and at the Bath Community Centre Ground, Canje Ground, Port Mourant Community Centre Ground and Tagore High School Ground in Berbice on Sunday November 4th.
