ALMOST all community organisations have parties around this time of the year to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. For years, the Arya Samaj USA on 101 Ave and 11th Street has welcomed the holiday season with a cultural variety concert inviting the public to participate in its celebrations.

The Indo-Caribbean Federation also  celebrated with seniors from the community.
The Arya Samaj temple hummed with end of year holiday festivities last Saturday evening.  It was all festooned for the hometown kind of holiday celebration. Although held at the temple, it was a social get together of entertainment and dinner. It was done as a celebration of members’ achievements and all they have done together in the past year
– a kind of reward to members for their hard work as well as a thank- you to the executives showing them how much they are appreciated for their commitment and dedication to the temple. The entire programme was filmed for TV showing later in the month.
The entertainment brought cheers to the audience. The temple was jam packed to capacity. This was the 25th annual celebration. There was a splendid display of talent (singing of Indian songs, classical dancing, karaoke, etc. The family-oriented programme featured soloists as well as groups presenting Bollywood songs and bhajans as well as various forms of dances including classical and hot tempo style. It also included a comedy segment featuring artistes from the sitcom play “laugh till you belly bust” and “back track”. The cultural evening was accompanied with an awards ceremony and dinner. The good will and good cheer combined to make this a season one that will always be remembered. A “holiday celebration or “end of year party” The President Balram Rambrich thanked everyone for their support and those who assisted in planning and organising the activities.
Separately, the Richmond Hill community leaders, the Indo-Caribbean Federation, businessman Frank Singh, District Leader Dr. Taj Rajkumar, Vishnu Mahadeo hosted a celebration for seniors. It was a wonderful, Entertainment-packed holiday luncheon held last Sunday at Villa Russo in the heart of the community during this festive season. The elderly had a most joyous time celebrating the yuletide season. The event included a traditional Guyanese holiday luncheon, followed by music and dancing interspersed with speeches and a comedy skit “Laugh till yuh belly bust”. This was the eighth consecutive year of the luncheon treat that was initiated by Frank Singh, the Indo-Caribbean Fed and others.
The luncheon had about 500 being feted. The senior citizens sang and danced.  They cheered the entertainers.  They sang several old Bollywood songs of yesteryear and moved with the rhythm of the fast tempo chutney songs.
The Villa Russo holiday luncheon was sponsored by several community organisations with meals provided by community restaurants to show appreciation for the seniors and to thank them for years of service to the community.  With business sponsorship, the event helps to promote partnerships between Guyanese and other Caribbean businesses and the general public. Several community leaders volunteered to bring cheers to the seniors who in turn expressed gratitude and appreciation for the luncheon and for the gifts they received. They showered blessings on the organisers for serving them well. They deserve accolades for their hard work.
Guyanese businesses also hosted parties to welcome the yuletide season. George Sobhraj and Zara Realty hosted a year-end celebration for employees and community leaders last Friday. Outstanding workers were honoured for their commitment, dedication and productivity in the company.