In celebration of 172 years of Indian Arrival to Guyana
Despite  threats from inclement weather…
THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s grand celebration of the 172 years of Indian Arrival to Guyana, planned for this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence  under the theme, “Celebration of Culture and Traditions” is being threatened by inclement weather.
However, creative and administrative architect of all the Sabha’s programmes, Dr. Vyndhia Persaud, supremely dutiful daughter of Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, is upbeat and says that she is optimistic that the rains would not dampen the event, or the spirit of the event, based on predictions by the Hydrometeorological office.
But just in the event that the current erratic weather patterns prevail and it rains, Dr. Persaud is exploring alternative venues for the show.  Of one thing she is certain, and it is that the show must go on, regardless of the weather.
The Li’l Champs are expected to arrive on Saturday, along with seven-year-old Master of Ceremonies, Afsha Musani.
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, as well as delicious Indian sweetmeats will be on sale.

The little troupe of winners of the Zee TV L’il Champs competition, Hemant, Shreyasi, and Yatharth, will be performing on Saturday evening, while Andy Singh of the Karma and Melobugz bands from Trinidad will perform on Sunday evening.  In addition, 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.

Top Guyanese singers; Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Singh, Mona, Mohan Nandu, Ramkissoon Singh and the Sabha’s young team of Emerging Voices will also be featured on both evenings. A special presentation will be done on child abuse.
Gates will be open from 2:00 p.m. on each day.  The stage programmes will begin at 6:00 p.m. 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.  Secured parking on the perimeters will also be provided for those who do not wish to purchase passes. Tickets are available at the Kendra, the Murti Shop on the West Coast of 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 Providence 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 Jewelry World, Angee’s – Sheriff St. & City Mall, Sterling Products, Sankar’s Auto Works, Guyoil, Hand-in-Hand Ins., GBTI, DBL, Pharmagen Enterprises and COURTS.
Among the many special features being presented would be a traditional Hindu wedding and Diwali celebrations by Jairam’s Little India, a modern wedding by Angee’s, while the Murti Shop will be featuring a mandir and the Phagwah festival.
The Sabha has issued a strict warning that no alcohol will be allowed.