THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will host its annual Phagwah Mela and Bazaar today at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. In addition to the new venue, this year’s event will feature for the first time an Indian Folk Dance Festival. This will take the form of a competition with several groups from as far as Essequibo and Berbice competing for cash prizes and trophies.
The first prize is $50,000 plus a trophy; second $40,000 plus trophy; and third 30,000 plus trophy. Other participating groups will receive cash awards. The Sabha wishes to thank GBTI, Precision Packaging and Digicel for their generous contributions toward the hosting of the competition. Patrons will be treated to a variety of folk dances as dancers, bedecked in elaborate and colourful costumes, compete for the top spots.
In addition to the Folk Dance Festival, the Sabha’s own Dharmic Nritya Sangh will present dances in their unique style. Backed by the popular Caribbean Hostshots band, singers Rekha Singh, Sookrane Boodhoo, Mona, Suchitra Rampersaud, Chevalia Rampersaud and others will add to what promises to be a truly entertaining evening.
The grounds of the Conference Centre will be transformed and patrons can move freely from the beautifully decorated stage area to the bazaar featuring numerous food stalls offering a variety of sumptuous dishes and sweets, mehndi booths, games for all as well as great shopping deals on everything from Indian clothes and jewellery to phones from Digicel.
Strictly no alcohol will be allowed. Tickets cost $500 with children under 10 being given free admission. Paid parking will be available within the compound of the Conference Centre. Patrons can also choose to park outside. The Sabha said it wishes to thank  Digicel, NCN, NTN, Survival Supermarket, Rent-a-Tent, GBTI, Precision Packaging, Shaline’s Flower Shop, Geddes Grant,the Beharry Group of Companies and Pepsi for their kind contributions to the event. Tickets are available at Red Mango, Robb Street and the Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra  or call 227-6181.