The Miss Guyana Diwali Sari Pageant is an annual event which co-sides with the Festival of Lights. Taken the form of a competition, the Guyana Diwali Sari Pageant has gone a long way back. The Guyana Sanatan Dharam Maha Sabha started this contest in the 1960’s. This Hindu Religious Organization promoted this Pageant for 30 years, from 1960 to 1990. Pete’s Promotion took it over in 1991 and ran it for three consecutive years before Club Illustions Promotions, headed by Ms. Yvonne Webster, took over. Mr. Sheik Yassin Promotions promoted this Sari Pageant in 2000 & 2001, while Ms. Indira Balgobin promoted it in 2003. Pete’s Promotion came back in 1996, making it two Diwali Sari Pageants in that year. There were also two pageants in 1993, the other one was promoted by Top Rank promotions headed by Sri Yoogeandra, who introduced the talent segment, followed by Club Illusions Promotions in 1994.
It is important to note that the Mahatma Gandhi Organization also organized and promoted this annual Diwali Sari Pageant during the 60’s & 70’s.
According to my research, this Diwali Sari Pageant started at Grove on the East Bank Demerara and was organized by Dr. Balwant Singh, Pt. Reepu  Daman Persaud,  Justice Prem Persaud,  Mr. Tappie Singh, an Attorney-at-Law, Artiste/Promoter Mr. Arthur  Budhram & Mr. Sugrim  Gobin.         For over 30 years this popular instrumental song “Suhanie Raat  Nee Dal Chukie” from the ever green movie “Dularie” was played for the charming contestants to display their richly decorated & elaborate saris.
In the early days this Diwali Sari Pageant used to be a two-night event, which also included a singing and dancing competition.
In 1958, Miss Sachi  Persaud was crowned the Diwali Queen, while Miss Veronica Persaud copped the crown in 1959.
In 1961, the Diwali crown went to the wife of the former late Minister, Mr. Ranji Chandi Singh. There was no Diwali Sari Pageant in 1962. In 1963 Miss Janet Rajnarine was crowned the queen by the then Premier, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
In 1964, Miss Fazia Ali won this Sari contest at the Queen’s College Auditorium, the first Muslim to be crowned a Diwali Queen. The pageant then moved to the East Indian Cricket Ground, now Everest, before going to the National Park.
In 1965, the crown went to Miss Rita Singh, then Miss Shakira Baksh in 1966, who went on to represent Guyana at the Miss World beauty Contest in 1967, and was placed 2nd Runner up. In 1967, Miss Guytri Singh was crowned the Diwali Queen. Miss Pamela Lord won in 1968; and she also went on to represent Guyana at the Miss World Beauty Contest in 1969 & was placed 3rd Runner up. Miss Sandra Singh won in 1969, Miss Safurah  Khan in 1970, Miss Rehana  Ali in 1971, Miss Sherry Yassin in 1972, Miss Mahadai Das in 1973, Miss Yasmin Hussain in 1974, Miss Pat Tamana in 1975, Miss Leila Samaroo in 1976,  Miss Paula Singh in 1977,  Miss Radica Singh in 1978, Miss Annette Sahib in 1979,  Miss Evelyn Shivdat in 1980, Miss Zennie Indroutie Dhanraj in 1981, Miss Dianne D’Oliveria in 1982, Miss Neelo Singh in 1983, Miss Natasha Saywack in 1984, Miss Coleen Detering in 1985, Miss Meena Santdasani in 1986, Miss Sandra Debichand in 1987, Miss Yashoda Persaud in 1988, Miss Nazeela Rahaman in 1989, Miss Kristina Ann Camacho in 1990, Miss Carol Ann Lynch in 1991, Miss Sharon Bhola in 1992, Miss Marcelle Veeren in 1993, Miss Elizabeth Persaud in 1994, Miss Nadira Sewsankar in 1995. In 1996, there were two Diwali Queens – Miss Subrina Brijmohan of Pete’s Promotion & Miss Nalini Persaud of Club Illusions Promotions. There was no Diwali Sari  Contest in 1997 & 1998. Miss Nadira Yadram won in 1999, while Miss Nelli Lakhan won the 2000 Queen of Lights. In 2001, Miss Hema Taruna Singh copped the crown. There was no Diwali Sari Pageant in 2002. In 2003 the crown went to Subrina Prittipaul .  There were no Diwali Pageants in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2009 the crown went to Miss Devi Ramcharitar, who was the last Diwali queen in Guyana, as there there was no Diwali Pageant in 2010.