GHDS countrywide Diwali motorcades for October 13-18

As Guyanese prepare to usher in the ‘Festival of Lights’ on Thursday, October 19, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in keeping with its more than 40-year tradition, will be hosting motorcades and cultural programmes across the country.
The Diwali motorcade has become a landmark event on Guyana’s cultural calendar, attracting tens of thousands of Guyanese along the routes and at the various locations. It is also a beautiful demonstration of Guyanese creativity with the designs and depictions of the floats, being more spectacular each year.
On Friday, October 13, the East Bank Demerara Praant motorcade will be held at the Diamond Market Tarmac; while on Saturday, October 14, the West Berbice Praant motorcade will be held at the Bath Community Centre Ground.
Three motorcades will be held on Sunday, October 15, at Canje Ground, East Berbice; Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, Central Corentyne; and Tagore High School, Upper Corentyne.
Thereafter, the Essequibo Praant will host its motorcade on Monday, October 16, at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground and on Tuesday, October 17, the West Coast Demerara Praant motorcade is fixed for the Oceanview Mandir Compound.
However, the final and largest motorcade will be held on the eve of Diwali – Wednesday October 18. The beautifully decorated floats depicting various aspects of the festival will leave Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville, Georgetown, and make their way along Sandy Babb Street and the Seawall road to the La Bonne Intention Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara, where there will be a spectacular stage programme.
In addition to the Dharmic Nritya Sangh and top Guyanese singers, the super talented BEN PARAG of DIL HAI HINDUSTANI will also be performing.
He performed for the Sabha’s Indian arrival concerts at the Dharmic Kendra and in Berbice in May this year and was very much enjoyed by all who attended. A natural entertainer with an amazing voice, his repertoire of songs vary from new and old Bollywood favourites to bhajans, classical melodies and Caribbean favourites.
Admission to all motorcades is free and as usual, no alcohol will be allowed. Meanwhile, following the motorcades, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 19.
In addition to the motorcades, the Sabha will also be hosting inter school rangoli competitions in all of its Praants which will see participation by hundreds of primary, secondary and university students.
The Mahila Mandalee’s annual Diwali celebration for children will be held at the Dharmic Kendra on Sunday, October 22.