IN true Guyanese fashion, persons of all ages and from different social strata and of all ethnic groups turned out in their numbers to catch a glimpse of the spectacle of colour and lights that was this year’s Diwali motorcade on the West Coast of Demerara.

The public road was lined with people last night eagerly waiting to see last year’s creativity surpassed, while thousands converged on the Uitvlugt Mandir ground for the extended show.
The calendar event was put on by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s West Coast Demerara praant.
President Donald Ramotar was in attendance and greeted several in the gathering, extending greetings on the occasion.
As the evening’s activities progressed, the judging of the floats in the motorcade was preceded by a packed cultural programme.
The massive crowd gathered for the pre-Diwali celebrations was mesmerized by the enormous show of talent from children as young as five.
The highlight of the night was the performance by Indian singer, Jeffrey Iqbal, who belted out his most recent hit ‘Tere Maast Maast Do Nain’, as well as a few more popular hits and a string of older tunes, much to the delight of his listeners. His presence on stage both enthused and engaged the mammoth crowd, with many singing, swaying and clapping hands – a few moves short of dancing.
Other standout performances included a solo dance from a skilled dancer whose acrobatic moves held the attention of all throughout the set; the choreography of several dance groups moving to popular Hindi tunes, and the presentation of Lakshmi.
Also featured were solos from members of different mandirs, among other performances.
Head of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in brief remarks, called for the season to bring about divestment of negativity.
She noted that Diwali’s significance is underscored by the message of light over darkness and that light is not only literal, but extends metaphorically to knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.
Persaud assured the gathering that the Dharmic Sabha will continue to advocate for the preservation of traditions, something her father, the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud felt strongly about.
A moment of silence was observed at the start of the festivities in memory of the Pandit who has been an active contributor to both the political and social spheres of Guyanese life and has been lauded as having taken Hinduism and the recognition of religious traditions to new heights.
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is expected to host the last and undoubtedly the country’s largest motorcade and Diwali programme at the La Bonne Intention community ground tonight

(By Vanessa Narine)