SCREAMS and sounds of tassa drums emerged from the crowd as Chief Judge Chandradai Singh announced the Golden Fleece Vishwa Jhotir Mandir as winner of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Coast Praant Annual motorcade Friday night.

The large float outshone 11 other illuminated ones with its expertly crafted and modern design. Youths neatly crafted a message with the use of raw materials depicting Goddess Lakshmi and her consort God Vishnu.

The float also depicted how goddess Lakshmi came into existence (by the churning of the milky ocean). Young girls from the mandir were decoratively clad in red, golden sarees for the competition. The first-placed winners took home the top prize of $120,000.

In at second was Spring Garden Mandir which was followed by the Reliance Mandir at third; Airy Hall Mandir at fourth; and Aurora Estate Mandir at fifth.

Other mandirs that participated and won consolation prizes included Maria’s Lodge Mandir, Queenstown Mandir, Affiance Mandir, Anna Regina Mandir and Adventure Mandir.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Dr Vindhya Persaud called on Essequibians

to celebrate the festival with passion and love.
The annual Diwali motorcade is the brainchild of her late father Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, whom she described as a visionary. The motorcades bring together communities, mandirs and people from all walks of life.

The lively cultural programme Friday night featured dances, skits, live tassa drumming and songs.