KALA UTSAV – INDIAN Festival of Art Forms organised annually by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha witnessed youthful talents keenly
contesting in all the areas of instrumental and vocal music, folk and classical dancing, and Ramayan chanting. They also vie for first place in an item of Kirtan. The chanting of the Ramayan was done from Lanka Kand and each person chanted and interpreted both
in Hindi and English.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, declaring open the Utsav spoke of the great development
among the young artistes countrywide and the fact that there have been significant improvements.
The Sabha through these functions brought to the public view many young artistes who, subsequent to the Utsav have not only grown in
stature in the Guyanese community, but also those who migrated to North America and other places.
Persaud found that the Indian Art Form is an admirable event and has greatly influenced those who have taken to it. He praised the Praant officials and the parents of the participants and wished them success during the contest.

Dr Vindhya Persaud did an excellent job in introducing the items and keeping the audience visibly lively. At the conclusion trophies
and cash prizes were presented by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud and Mrs. Chandra Gajraj.

Participants who captured the first three spots are as follows:
Ramayan Chanting:    1st   – Vishali Sukram
2nd  – Rajshree Sookhai
3rd  – Dhanpaul Mohan

Kirtan:            1st  – West Berbice
2nd – West Coast Demerara
3rd  –  Upper Corentyne

Classical Dance:        1st   – West Berbice
2nd  – East Coast Demerara
3rd   – East Berbice

Folk Dance (Group):    1st  – West Berbice
2nd – Essequibo
3rd  – Central Corentyne

Instrumental:        1st  – West Demerara
2nd – Central Corentyne
3rd – East Berbice

Duet Singing:        1st   – Hema Sutherland and Hema Claudis
2nd  – Ravini Rafeek and Yogeshrie Rafeek
3rd  – Veikanand Ramnarine and Arvindra Ramnarine

Male Singing:        1st   – Dharamraj Mohabit
2nd  – Ghait Singh Mohanlall
3rd  – Dhanesh Gopaul

Female Singing:        1st   – Vidya Ram
2nd  – Sangeeta Jairam
3rd  –  Hema Sutherland