THE Hindu community in Lethem, Region 9 (Upper Essequibo/Upper Takutu) will stage its second Diwali Motorcade tomorrow evening. Vice president of the organizing committee, Maureen Budhan, said one aim of staging the event is to have the predominantly Amerindian residents of Lethem and those from neighbouring Brazil get to better appreciate the cultural and religious diversities of Guyana.
The Lethem event will start at 18:30 hrs, and the colourfully decorated vehicles will assemble at The Outdoor Store situated at the Airport Road, travel in and around Lethem, and end up at the Tabatinga Sports Complex.
The Region 9 Democratic Council will be participating, and so, too, will school children.
The programme at the Tabatinga Sports Complex will consist of formal addresses and cultural presentations by members of the mandir and other cultural artistes.
Last year, history was created when the first-ever Diwali Festival of Lights Motorcade was held at Lethem. Hundreds of predominantly Christians, and many of them Brazilians, observed and participated in the event.
That first motorcade comprised three colourfully decorated vehicles, followed by motorcycles and bicycles.
Budhan has promised a bigger motorcade this year. She said the group was now in process of building its mandir, the Swarsattie Mandir, the first Hindu place of worship to be erected in Lethem, and would welcome sponsorship and donations from well-wishing members of the business community and the public.
President of the Hindu community in Lethem is Mr. Tikaram Bisesar. He can be contacted on tel. # 647- 0074.  The treasurer is Mrs. Taramattie Ralph. Her telephone number is 772-2164; and the secretary is Mr. Basdeo Ramlall.