Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s iconic countrywide Diwali Motorcades continue tomorrow on the West Coast and East Bank Demerara on the 10th November at 6:30pm at the Oceanview Mandir Compound and Diamond Market Tarmac, respectively.
The largest and most spectacular motorcade leaves from the Shri Krishna Mandir on Saturday, November 11th at 6:00pm for the LBI Community Center Ground. This Motorcade involves the participation of over 30 floats from mandirs, individuals and business entities from Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara.
Guyana is the home of the iconic Diwali Motorcades which are hosted annually by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. The brainchild of the Late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, the iconic Diwali Motorcades will soon be 50 years old, and remain a marvel to all those who have the opportunity to witness the sheer splendour of Guyanese creativity in celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights with the Diwali Motorcade.
The Diwali Motorcade, the only one of its kind in the world is always held on the eve of Diwali annually and is synonymous the celebration of the festival in Guyana. It proceeds along the Seawall giving 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 and as devotional music (bhajans) rent the air. 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 Center Ground, making it arguably the single largest event in Guyana.
The Motorcade which moves along the splendorous backdrop of the night sky and the vast Atlantic Ocean reaches its final destination the LBI Community Center Ground. At 7:30pm, a fabulous cultural programme commences at the LBI Ground featuring local and International artistes, including Ben Parag, Neval Chatelal and Vishale Samlall, dancers, and musicians. The event culminates with a prize giving ceremony.
The FREE event is a haven for foodies as they can sample 7 curries, chokas and just off the tawa rotis, hot fried vegetarian savoury snacks and a wide array of sweets. A special Diwali bazaar is there for those who would like to pick up special Diwali items, outfits and jewelry.
No alcohol is allowed at any of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s events ensuring that it is perfect for families and just about anyone.
The Guyana Police Force and Dharmic Sabha have finalized traffic guidelines and arrangements. The motorcade which leaves the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbell Avenue, Kitty at 6:30 pm tomorrow will continue west along Campbell Avenue north onto J.B Singh Road then east on Rupert Craig Highway, Sparendaam Public Road and La Bonne Intention (L.B.I) Public Road, then south on L.B.I Access Road into the Community Centre Ground.
Parking will be allowed on the southern parapet of the southern carriageway of Rupert Craig Highway for persons desirous of viewing the passing Motorcade. Persons are asked to park in the extreme corner off the road, to avoid blocking the Motorcade. No parking will be permitted on the northern side of East Coast Public Road between Conversation Tree and the L.B.I Access Road.
Persons attending are asked to follow the route and to adhere to the directions of police ranks who will be on the ground, to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted flow of the event. All access roads will be open up to 6:00pm to facilitate persons heading to the seawall and LBI. Persons are advised to head to the Seawall before 6:00pm to access their seats to enjoy the motorcade in its entirety.
This Diwali, celebrate with your loved ones this deeply spiritual and majestic festival of lights at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Diwali Motorcade in an atmosphere of peace, love and harmony. All are invited, lets make 2023 memorable and beautiful. (GHDS press release)
