KALA Utsav an annual presentation of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha again thrilled and inspired hundreds who attended the Utsav on November 29, which was declared open by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds performing functions as President.

These young dancers elegantly performing an Indian classical during the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s staging of Kala Ustav at the Kendra yesterday.

Dr Vindhya Persaud who chaired the day’s rich cultural presentation in introducing Mr. Hinds said he stands out in his attendance record at the Sabha’s functions. Mr. Hinds declared that it’s always a pleasure for him to participate at functions of the Sabha and he always cherished his experience when he joins in the circumambulation of the Holika.

Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Frank Anthony in a dynamic extemporaneous address spoke of the many activities of Dharmic Sabha and its fine leadership and pundits classes which the Sabha conducts. He was unreserved in his praise for the organisation and the excellent cultural work it has been doing over the year and the dynamism with which it fosters rich Indian culture, making references to many aspects.

At the opening of the Kala Utsav the Sabha’s President Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud spoke of his profound commitment to Hinduism and reserved that he was born a Hindu and will remain one. He said the Sabha has a commendable record in teaching and developing Indian Art Forms and declared that many of those who came out of the Kendra and Kala Utsav are now in various parts of the world entertaining, appearing at mandirs and other cultural events. Dharmic Nritya Sangh cannot easily be excluded from praise for the excellent work Dr Vindhya Persaud is doing in the dance class. He said work of the Nritya Sangh has removed any stigma placed on Indian dance. Presently in Guyana parents spend time to have their children enrolled at dance classes at the Kendra declared Pandit Persaud. He ended with strong assurances that the Sabha is well organised and cannot be manipulated or shifted, it stands unmoved in uniting the Hindu community and promoting Hinduism concluded Pandit Persaud.

Prime Minister and acting President, Samuel Hinds, presents one of the outstanding performers with her trophy during Kala Ustav yesterday.

The morning’s proceedings began with Ramayan Chanting which permitted one chowpai and one doha which had to be completed within the limited time. In this special feature Anuradha Sukhai of Central Corentyne was placed 1st, Pradeep Singh of Upper Corentyne 2nd, and Ganapattie Dyal of East Coast Demerara 3rd.

In Male singing – Mahesh Narine of West Coast Berbice captured the 1st place, Busjith Navindra of West Coast Demerara 2nd and Rampaul Sookdeo of East Coast Demerara 3rd place.

Female Singing – Morisha Gobin of Upper Corentyne earned the 1st place, Vidya Ram of Georgetown 2nd and Rajshree Sookhram of Central Corentyne 3rd.

In Classical Dancing West Coast Berbice Group scores 1st place, Central Corentyne Group 2nd, and East Coast Group from Better Hope Mandir 3rd.

Kirtan singing which the Sabha place great emphasis on particularly because of its collect content 1st place went to Central Corentyne Chesney Mandir, 2nd Central Corentyne Tain Mandir, and Georgetown was declared 3rd.

The instrumental category has its own fascination because of the modern instruments used. The prizes went as follows West Berbice, Central Corentyne, and West Coast Demerara.

Duet Singing has always attracted the audience 1st place Vishalie & Aartie Sukhram, 2nd Vidya Ram & Deepa and 3rd Yashoda Bushram & Narisa Persaud.

Folk dancing witnessed East Coast Demerara winning 1st, Central Corentyne 2nd and Essequibo 3rd.

Kala Utsav has once again proven that it possesses the condition for cordial exchanges and opportunities for people from different corners of this country to come together in a rich cultural atmosphere, sharing in moments of music, song and dance and witnessing the evolution of their sons and daughters making headway in Indian Art Forms. (Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha release)