IT was an exciting night for the thousands of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) residents as they witnessed the beautifully decorated floats and enjoyed the performances put on at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s cultural programme and Diwali motorcade on Friday evening, which included a sensational performance by Bollywood singer Jeffrey Iqbal, sending the huge crowd into a frenzy.

The event was held at the Ocean View Mandir, Uitvlugt, West Coast and was graced by President Donald Ramotar.
Thousands of people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds lined the West Coast Demerara public road to get a glimpse of the beautifully decorated vehicles in the motorcade.
President Ramotar declared: “This is the Festival of Lights and Brightness; it is where light shines through darkness and good triumphs over evil. And this is what happens in our country.”
He also paid tribute to the late government minister and President of the Guyana Hindhu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, who he remembers as a loving person and who would have been very happy to see such a large turnout at the event.
The President also mingled with the crowd and shared some light moments with the beautiful little “Latchmies” who were on the various vehicles on the motorcade.
The evening activities also included performances by Bollywood singer, Jeffrey Iqbal, who wooed the crowd with his superb performance, especially his all time best ‘Tere Bina’  and  ‘Tere Maast Maast Do Nain’.
Various cultural items punctuated the cultural aspect of the event and this was well received by the large gathering.
Head of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said Diwali’s significance is underscored by the message of light over darkness. “Light is not only literal, but extends metaphorically to knowledge and spiritual enlightenment,” she told the huge gathering.(GINA)