The Guyana Mela 2003 saw over 20,000 Guyanese flocking to celebrate the 165th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana, according to GIHA.
A release from the Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA) described the event as the "Indian fashion extravaganza of the year", with the resultant traffic backing up all the way down Carifesta Avenue and overflowing all around the Everest Cricket Ground.
A 40-foot high symbolic jahaj (ship) formed the backdrop for the evening's performances. The programme featured over four hours of entertainment including the introduction of a 15 x 12 screen for the benefit of those further away from the stage. This year also saw the introduction of henna painting. GIHA president Ryhaan Shah, leader of ROAR Ravi Dev, and cultural activist Amar Panday, made presentations. Performances included dances and fashion displays by the Nazia Dance Troupe and the Radha Krishna Mandir and music by Shakti Strings.
GIHA said a special feature of the programme this year was the introduction of Pichakaree singing to Guyana. The association said that the Pichakaree singers and song writers from Trinidad came to thrill Guyanese with stirring tributes and calls for Indian unity and strength.