IT WAS indeed a night of music, singing and dance at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground in Region Two on July 2, as Trinidadian artists Nirshad M and Neval Chatelall mesmerised the ‘Essequibians’. The show was organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Praant in an effort to raise funds towards the completion of the Anna Regina Kendra which will serve as a hub for cultural activities.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud,in welcoming the audience and thanked them for their support while promising them that the night will be an unforgettable one. Persaud used the opportunity to thank the business community for supporting the noble cause.

“All proceeds from this show will go towards the rehabilitation the Dharmic Kendra at Anna Regina. It is a place where young people can gravitate to and Essequibians can enjoy yoga, dance, music, teaching Sanskrit, Indian cookery, it will be open to young persons from all ethnicity and religion,” she said.

The show commenced at 20:00 hours with leading Essequibian dancer Dayvashinie Naipaul doing a remixed classical piece after which Dharmic Swarswattie Dance Academy took the stage performing for the audience. Vocalist “Artie” and her daughter also performed for the audience setting the pace for the International artists.

Mesmerising the audience with their dance tactics neatly choreographed were dancers from the Dharmic Nirtya Sangh. The dancers introduced to the Essequibian population some skillful classical dances which dazzled the crowd. It was time for the Trinidadian artists to take the stage when they commenced their part with the singing of two religious songs.

Although the singers are known for “Chutney” and “Soca” they managed to serenade the audience with religious songs after which they dished out popular Bollywood hits and ended with chutney and soca. By the end of their performance, most of the audience were seen on their feet dancing having a merry time. Some of the songs sung by the International Artists included, “Chalte Musfaphri”, “Teray Bin”, “Polourie bin ah Chutney”, “Dulahin Challay” amongst others.

The performances were backed by the Shakti String Orchestra and Prema Mega sound system. The youth arm of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Nawjawan also had Mehendi and face painting down on the ground.