In celebration of 172 years of Indian Arrival to Guyana
–    Seven yr-old “bak bak machine” Afsha Musani to host event
THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha plans a grand celebration of the 172 years of Indian Arrival to Guyana on the weekend of the 8th and 9th May, the theme of which will be “Celebration of Culture and Traditions”. Patrons can expect interactive displays illustrating festivals, celebrations, art-forms and practices linked to Indo-Guyanese History. Persons can step for a moment back-in-time; get dressed on spot in dhoti, jhoola, ghangri, romal and pagri and have their photos snapped. Ladies can have intricate patterns of mehendi applied on their hands and fancy bindis applied on their foreheads. Innovative and fun games for the entire family especially children will be part of the attractions.

Traditional foods served hot from the tawa and karaahi will be on sale.  A variety of chokas, curries, rotis and potato balls, samosas, and other tasty dishes will be in abundance. A lavish and tempting spread of Indian sweets will be available for everyone.
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They captured hearts across the world.  Even top actors and actresses of the Indian screen were mesmerized by their performances.  Guyanese audiences were no less enthralled by these youthful performers, but more especially by the then five-yr-old wonder, doll-like Afsha Musani, who co-hosted the show.
Her fluency of language, especially her command of the English language, her expansive knowledge of Indian music and the entertainment world, and her quick repartee amazed and captivated the world, and when, during the grand finale of the competition adults were assigned to M.C. the programme, the sense of incompleteness in audiences worldwide was acute, leaving her millions of fans hungering for more of her.
Well, thanks to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Guyanese will have an opportunity to see more of her on Saturday 8th May at the celebrations to commemorate 172 years of Indian arrival, which is slated to be held on the tarmac of the National Stadium at Providence.

The little troupe of winners of the Zee TV L’il Champs competition, Hemant, Shreyasi, and Yatharth, has been touring the Caribbean and Suriname prior to coming to Guyana, and they will be accompanied by six musicians from India.
Andy Singh from Trinidad is also expected to perform at the celebratory activities, being held for the third year running at the National Stadium in Providence.  Previously celebratory activities were held at other venues, latterly especially at the Kendra in Prashad Nagar since its establishment.
Fabulous stage programmes, ideal entertainment for the entire family, especially the children, are planned for both days.
The Sabha’s Dharmic Nritya Sangh will be performing along with the Lil Champs.

VIP tickets are available for this special show at $2000 at the Kendra only.
On Sunday 9th, Andy Singh of the Karma and Melobugz bands from Trinidad will be performing, along with top Guyanese singers; Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Singh, Mona, Mohan Nandu, Ramkissoon Singh and the Sabha’s young team of Emerging Voices. A special presentation will be done on child abuse.
Gates will be open from 2:00pm on each day.  The stage programmes will begin at 6:00pm on both days and patrons are urged to purchase their tickets early at the designated locations to avoid congestion. Tickets for both days will cost $300.  However, children under 5 years will be admitted free.
Vehicle passes for parking in the stadium will be available for both days at the Kendra only and will cost $500. There will also be provided secured parking on the perimeters for those who do not wish to purchase passes. Tickets are available at the Kendra, the Murti Shop, West Coast Demerara, Bhagwan’s on Water Street, Harrinarine’s on Regent Street, R. Gossai and Sons and M&M’s Snackette on the East Bank of Demerara. Tickets will also be available at the Stadium on both days.
Persons, mandirs and commercial entities interested in acquiring booths at the event can contact Ms. Savitri Sukhai on 600-5014, or call the Dharmic Kendra on 227-6181.
Sponsors of the event include DIGICEL  and E-Networks, GPL, METRO, DDL, KING’S JEWELLERY WORLD, ANGEE’S – Sheriff St. & City Mall, STERLING PRODUCTS and NEW GPC.
The Sabha has issued a strict warning that no alcohol will be allowed because, as always, they have planned an event that will leave everyone with pleasant memories.