THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is slated to hosts KALA UTSAV, its annual festival of arts, today (Sunday November 29) at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar beginning at 10:00 hrs.

The Utsav will see more than 200 young people under the age of 25 participate in a friendly competition in the categories of Ramayan chanting, male and female singing, duet singing, classical dance, folk dance and kirtan.
Kala Utsav, which was introduced by the Sabha more than twenty years ago, was conceived as an innovative way to propagate and preserve the Indian Art forms. Its intention is to motivate young people to continue the traditions of their foreparents and to achieve excellence in the various art forms, while simultaneously building talent bases in the various regions. It is a launch pad for talented youths across the country and allows for talent to be discovered for future development. Trophies, certificates and cash incentives are given to all participants to encourage them.

Prior to the final Utsav, each of the Sabha’s Praants held Preliminary Utsavs in their communities to pick the best to represent them at the finals. Participants will come from Upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, East Berbice, West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Coast Demerara and Essequibo.
One of the highlights of the Utsav is the Ramayan chanting category with dramatic depiction. This is aimed at promoting elements of the Ramleela tradition and last year saw many creative and excellent presentations in this category. The Kirtan and Folk Dance segments have always been audience favourites and this year is expected to be no different as large groups in these categories have been practicing dedicatedly to put their best forward. It is anticipated that some amazing new singing talent will be discovered today was well. It is recalled that singers like Purnash Durgaprasad, Vishalie Sukram, Artie Sookhai and Suchitra Rampersaud made their debuts at Kala Utsav.
The Sabha said trophies, certificates and cash prizes will be presented at the end of the day’s proceedings.
The visiting troupe from the National Ramlila Council of Trinidad will be presenting a short piece to open the Utsav.
The Sabha is inviting all to come and be a part of this special day. Admission is free. The Sabha also expressed its thanks to Digicel, Pepsi and others for their generous support.