Several functions billed for Indian Arrival Day observances
Guyana Chronicle
May 1, 2002
THE 164th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana will be celebrated in a big way this year, with several organisations arranging functions for the event.
"Arrival Day is a major event in our country. It has to do with our history, our culture, economic and social life, etc. We've always held functions marking the occasion", Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said.
The Sabha has organised cultural programmes for Sunday throughout the country.
On the Essequibo Coast, the programme will begin at 12:30 hrs at the Anna Regina Community Centre.
On the West Coast Demerara, the programme will be held at the Ocean View Mandir Compound at Uitvlugt starting at 18:00 hrs.
On the East Coast, a march of members of mandirs on the East Coast will precede a cultural programme to be held at the Better Hope Mandir, Persaud said.
The Berbice programme will be held at the Tain Kendra starting at 14:30 hrs.
The Sabha is also urging mandirs across the country to dedicate their services Sunday to Indian Arrival Day.
The Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA) has organised its fourth Guyana Mela to be held at the Everest Cricket Ground, Georgetown, on Sunday.
The Mela (fair) will feature Indian music, dance, tassa drumming and an array of Indian foods and sweetmeats.
This year, GIHA said in a press release, the backdrop will be a 40-foot high façade of the Taj Mahal of India, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Other features of the Mela will include duck curry cooked on site and hot roti just off the "tawa".
Traditional "seven curry" will be served in purain leaves, and the sweet meats on sale will include metai, gulab jamun, gulgullah, peerha, barfikeer and vermicelli.
"Over the years the Guyana Mela has become an important date for the Indian community", GIHA said.
"Individual and family dressed in traditional Indian garb make a splendid display of their heritage. The Mela is a family event and will feature many games and rides for children.
"As usual, it is a non-alcoholic event and there will be strict security within and outside the gates to ensure a safe environment for all", GIHA said.
The Indian Commemoration Trust has put together an evening of music, dance, skits by the University of Guyana Hindu Society, presentations by various religious organisations - Hindu, Muslim and Christian, displays of Indian garments and Tassa drumming.
The event named Push Panjali (The Continuous Flow of Flowers) will be held at the Indian Monument Garden, Church and Camp Streets, Georgetown from 18:30 hrs on Friday.
The Majestics Sound System will provide music for the event, while there will also be booths showcasing various Indian foods, musical instruments, cooking utensils, clothing and other items.