A large group of mostly New York-based Guyanese visited India earlier this month to get a feel of life in the land of their ancestors.  Most of them were first time visitors to India and the touring party also included non-Indians. They had a very pleasant experience saying they highly recommend the trip to other Guyanese.  I have visited India many times and in fact I am currently in India in Bollywood where I plan to visit the film studios and speak at two universities.
The India tour involving 31 individuals was organized by Guyanese tour operator Kali Travel and Tours which is accredited by the India Tourist Board and which has been organizing tours to India since 1984.  Prior to their departure, there was a ceremonial send off at JFK Airport. The tourists were serenaded by Miss India-New York, Anuradha Maharaj, a Trini, who told them to enjoy the visit to Bharatdesh.  Air India officials saw them off facilitating their checking in and boarding of the aircraft with ease and comfort.
The tourists flew aboard the magnificent Air India 777 non-stop service from JFK to Delhi. They describe the flight as fantastic with modern amenities, beautiful hostesses, excellent service and delicious meals. One guest said: “It was drinks galore and snacks and the movie and musical entertainment was just nice”. An old timer said “This is the best experience on a flight I ever had with three sets of hot meals”. When the visitors landed in Delhi, they said felt an immediate connection with that country as they were given a traditional Namaste welcome being garlanded with flowers.  And everywhere they went, people were warm and hospitable similar to travels in Guyana.
The tourists saw many historic and religious sites that they said they had only heard and read about. They were so thrilled to actually visit places mentioned in the Hindu holy books. They visited Kurukshetra to see the famous battlefield where Arjuna (and Lord Krishna) of the Pandavas dynasty waged a righteous war against the Kauravas over 5,000 years ago. The chariots of that battle are still there. The visitors said they prostrated on the ground giving thanks to the Lord.
They were immensely impressed with the Taj Mahal in Agra. They also visited Goa in south India with palatial hotels and exotic beach resorts and had a terrific time. Goa was a Portuguese colony and still has its influence.
Overall, the Guyanese tourists love the land of their ancestors. Ramesh Boodhoo says, “it was good, it was exciting and historic, but I expected India to be more developed.” Sabita claims, “Everywhere we went it was nice and exciting, and you just want to see more.” Bissoondial Sookhoo, “I enjoyed the trip. This was the best thing I have done in my life.” Premwati Dhanraj says, “The trip was really good.” And Denise Simmons of Guyana still has fond memories of the trip, especially of the Taj Mahal. Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Delhi. He notes, “The trip was great, exciting, and it was a great honor for me to be there.” Pt Narotam Narine did a special “pooja” on the banks of the Ganges, Haridwar.
Among other places visited were Haridwar and Rishikesh trying to uncover those places’ spiritual might. They observed the majestic Ganga Aarti in the evening. They were excited with Mathura and Vrindavan to see Lord Krishna’s abode. They visited Raj Ghat where Gandhi was cremated and the opulent Red Fort which was built to defend the Mughal Emperor. They love the Pink City (Jaipur), Rajasthan, and traveled on elephants’ backs to the Amber Palace that was built by Jai Singh. They celebrated Holi in Jaipur.
“The journey to India ended at India’s film capital, Mumbai, where the tourists visited the small island of Elephanta, also called ‘Gharpuri.’ At a farewell dinner in Mumbai, they were entertained by well known Bollywood musicians and singers – so excited to see Bollywood stars.
Many plan to return Bharatdesh.