TWENTY-FIVE vehicles in the large, small and commercial categories will take to the streets creatively decorated depicting Hindu Gods and

Goddesses highlighting aspects of the Deepavali festival with young people singing, playing musical instruments, presenting classical dance items and robed in appropriate costumes. It will be picturesque, attractive and exciting. The central motorcade of the Sabha is scheduled for Friday October 16. The motorcade leaves the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville at 06:30 pm proceeding west into Sandy Babb Street, north into JB Singh Road into the sea wall Road to LBI Community Centre Ground.

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo who is guest of honour will present the prizes.

Prizes are as follows:
1st $200,000 and trophy

2nd $150,000 and trophy

3rd $100,000 and trophy

4th $75,000 and trophy

5th $50,000 and trophy

6th $30,000 and trophy

Participation prize for non-winning floats – $20,000.
Floats participating in the commercial category will receive beautiful trophies. A trophy will be presented for the best overall design float. A special prize will be given for the best overall Mandir float. Vehicles will be judged under the following criteria: Illumination, Appropriate Depiction (theme), Appropriate music, Dress and Deportment, Overall presentation.

The motorcade has entered its 35th year and has contributed to Deepavali being the largest festival in the country. President of the Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud said when he took the decision to move Deepavali festival into the heart of the community from the temples and homes he did it conscious of the fact that the festival had a universal message and an avenue for social and spiritual evolution. While expecting it to grow he did not at that time realise that it will emerge into one of the biggest festivals in the country crossing all racial and ethnic barriers and providing moments for intellectual, social, cultural and spiritual development.

Deepavali motorcades are now held throughout the coastal belt. The motorcades transform the area in which it is taking place. The Central Georgetown motorcade does not simply transform the seawall road but impacts the community as a whole, where people turn up across the whole area creating the most beautiful atmosphere.

LBI Community Centre will be the venue not only for the distribution of prizes but for a rich cultural programme including dances from the Dharmic Nritya Sangh and entertainment from top singers like Mohan Nandu, Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Singh, Suchitra Rampersaud and others. Dharmendra Gobin will direct the musical segment of the programme.

Sponsors of this year’s motorcade are Digicel – exclusive telecommunications partners for Deepavali Motorcade 2009, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Sachi’s & Nirva, Guyana Power & Light, Banks DIH Ltd., Neal & Massey Guyana Group, Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, Demerara Distillers Ltd., Sterling Products Ltd., Guyoil and several other small sponsors.