The in-person festivities for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, have returned to Guyana following a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and now, the grand Diwali motorcade will once again illuminate the night’s sky on Sunday.
That event, which is a signature Guyanese activity organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), is the culmination of several other motorcade activities held in different parts of the country.
The procession will leave the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbell Avenue, Kitty, Georgetown at 18:30hrs and continues west along Campbell Avenue north onto the J.B Singh Road then east on the Rupert Craig Highway.
Each of the beautifully designed vehicles will travel towards the La Bonne Intention (LBI) community centre ground.
Head of the GHDS Dr. Vindhya Persaud told Berbicians, on Friday night, that there will be about 30 creations for patrons to enjoy.
“If you’ve never been to the motorcade, this is the perfect time for you to join us,” she emphasised.
This motorcade is the brainchild of the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, created just less than 50 years ago as an innovative celebration for the Hindu festival. It has become a staple part of Diwali celebrations in Guyana and part of the country’s calendar of activities.
Dr. Persaud told the News Room that the Diwali motorcades are famously unifying as Guyanese and tourists alike from various backgrounds throng the route from the starting point in Georgetown to the LBI community centre ground.
“… the thousands who usually assemble a visual treat through the exquisitely decorated and illuminated floats featuring children depicting the various forms of Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of light, prosperity and goodness while devotional music (bhajans) rent the air,” she noted too.
Importantly, a cultural show featuring local and international performers and Diwali bazaar will be held at that centre ground on Sunday night. Indian singer Raman Kapoor, Nishard Mayrhoo of Trinidad and a fantastic lineup of Guyanese singers including Rekha Ranglall, Kishan Sugrim, Sookrane Boodhoo, Ganindra, Suraj Singh and others will be at this show.
Admission is free.
No alcohol is allowed at any of the Sabha’s events, ensuring that it is perfect for families and just about anyone.
