Dear Editor,
Hundreds turned out for “Indian Arrival Day” celebrations at the Smokey Park last Sunday. Celebrants were entertained with a cultural variety show of songs, dance. Magic, and live orchestra music.  This is the 26th. Annual celebrations which were planned by the Indo-Caribbean Federation led by Guyanese President Ralph Tamesh and a dedicated bunch of executives and members.
The idea of observing “Indian Arrival Day” in New York was initiated in 1984 by Bhanu Dwarika, Vishnu Bisram, Rudra Nath, Ravi Dev, Baytoram Ramharack, etc. with the first outdoor celebration the following year and since then the concept has taken off expanding in scope with annual observance.
This year’s celebration commemorated the 173rd. anniversary of the migration of Indians from India as indentured laborers to the Caribbean.
Local artistes as well as some from Surinam and Trinidad performed at the event for free.  Music was supplied by the Sansar Sangeet Orchestra. There was a singing and dancing competition. The federation came out with a special publication for the event highlighting the achievements of the community and the contributions of Indo-Caribbean people to the Caribbean and New York. Several businesses sponsored prizes, provided food and underwrote the costs associated with staging the concert.
It was an entertainment packed and fun-filled concert; many in the crowd danced and clapped to the beat of soca, traditional Indian songs and chutney music.  Several White Americans, Hispanics, and Afro-Caribbean people were among the spectators drawn to the glamorous event which lasted over five hours.  Many in the audience were dressed in traditional attire (Punjabi suits, Shalwar Kameez, kurtha sets, Nehru suits).
The winner in the TAAN SINGING were:  1st. place Randy Ramdin, 2 nd place Hemant Somai, 3 rd place Damian Sookram. For the DANCING COMPETITION, 1 st place Danielle Ramkisson, 2 nd place Kavita Tajeshwar, 3 rd place Amelia Seepersaud. SINGING COMPETITION, 1 ST place  Raykha Tajeshwar, 2 nd place  Asha Sohan, and 3 rd place Lisa Roopnarine.
The mainstream and Caribbean ethnic weekly press was in full force to cover the event for newspapers, radio and television programs.
The President of the Federation Ralph Tamesh, said his organization’s primary aim is to propagate Indo-Caribbean culture and assist new emigres adapt. Tamesh praised the hard work of his team in making the celebration a magnificent success.  He applauded the artistes for their participation and the band for performing for free.  He also expressed thanks for refreshments donated by Bamboo Gardens, Cabana, Nest, Hibiscus and others. A number of New York’s politicians, including Ruben Wills, extended warm greetings and congratulations to the organizers of the festivities.
The organization gave out a number of awards to individuals who have distinguished themselves in the community.