THE Mahila Mandalee, women’s section of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, hosted its annual Diwali Children’s Party last Sunday at the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar. More than 300 children from East Bank Essequibo, West Coast Demerara, East Coast Demerara and Georgetown were treated to food, drinks, gifts, games and entertainment. The children themselves put on a mini concert to entertain their peers. There were Diwali songs and Bhajans, Ramayan chants, dances, poems and skits. Among those performing were the students of the Dharmic Rama Krishna Primary School and groups from some 26 mandirs coming from as far as Parika and Cane Grove.

Minister of Finance, and Executive Member of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Ashni Singh, delivered a brief inspirational message. He recalled when he used to attend the party as a child, and also highlighted the importance of the Sabha’s Bacho ka Satsangh programme, urging the young ones to attend and participate.

This Saturday, the Mandalee has organised a similar event for the children of the West Berbice Praant of the Sabha. This will be held at the Bath Settlement Mandir.

The Mahila Mandalee focuses its activities primarily on women and children. Among its projects are literacy programmes for children, the provision of bursaries to children who perform outstandingly at the National Grade Six Examinations, and skills training for women.