THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha started their annual Phagwah celebrations Saturday with a grand mela at the Guyana International Convention Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. 

Scores of persons graced this annual event to be entertained by the colourful dances, melodious singing and scrumptious food.  There were dancers from across Guyana participating in the Indian folk dance competition.

International singers like Paransh, Omesh Singh and Jeffrey Iqbal graced the stage and energized the crowd with their renditions.  Also participating at this year’s mela were the contestants from the E-Networks Inc. song competition.

President Donald Ramotar couldn’t help but say how excited he was to be able to attend the mela, given his stringent schedule, and commended the Dharmic Sabha on their continued progress over the last 40 years of their existence. He also encouraged them to continue the development of their traditions.

This year’s event was sponsored by Digicel, l-Cee, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and E-Networks Inc.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was established 40 years ago on January 8, 1974. Its founder was Pt. Reepu Daman Persaud, who served as president for 39 years until his demise in April 2013.

Since its inception, the Sabha has initiated, crafted and sustained diverse programmes and events that have catered to the needs of Guyanese. The Sabha comprises eight branches/Praants and has over 125 affiliated mandirs throughout the country. It is supported by its women and youth arms, Mahila Mandalee and Dharmic Naujawaan.
Written By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally