GHDS Reg 2 Diwali Motorcade: Spring Garden Bhuvaneshwar Mandir cops 1st prize in large category

– Airy Hall named winners in small category

By Raywattie Deonarine

Creativity was at its best as hundreds of Essequibians converged to witness one of the most spectacular Diwali motorcades on Thursday evening.
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s (GHDS) event definitely brought out the creative skills of members of youth groups, mandirs, and even the communities. The evening saw people coming together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.

Floats from various mandirs, including Queenstown, Affiance, Huis T’ Dieren, Reliance, Bounty Hall, Golden Fleece, Spring Garden, Siriki-Pomeroon, and Adventure assembled at Affiance before making their mesmerising journey to the township of Anna Regina.
The floats were breathtaking and showcased the various forms of Hindu gods and goddesses, especially the radiant Mother Lakshmi, the embodiment of light and prosperity that is closely associated with the festival.
Another captivating depiction was that of Lord Rama, accompanied by his wife Sita, his brother Lakshmana, and the devoted Hanuman, illustrating the legendary tale behind the genesis of Diwali.

The young people who adorned these floats undoubtedly did an exceptional job of bringing these divine beings to life as they travelled along the main access road, thus illuminating their path accompanied by the sound of Bhagans and chants.
One float that stole the crowd’s hearts was created by the talented youths and members of the Spring Garden Bhuvaneshwar Mandir, featuring several children, teens, and adults who beautifully portrayed their chosen theme.
This float outshone the 15 other well-decked-out floats, thus copping the first place in the large category while the Golden Fleece Mandir copped the second position.
In addition, the Airy Hall Mandir was adjudged the winner in the small category followed by Affiance Vishnu Mandir in second and Annandale Mandir in third.
Consolation prizes were awarded to Bounty Hall Mandir, Better Success Mandir, and New Road Vishnu Mandir.
Addressing the audience, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud congratulated the Essequibo Praant and Nawajawan for bringing the characters to life in such a spectacular and meaningful way.
She highlighted that the event reminds Guyanese to keep the divine light shining within us, both physically and symbolically. She also challenged the organisers to increase the participation next year.
Further, Dr Persaud thanked the residents for their continuous support and extended Diwali greeting to them.
Meanwhile, there was a rich cultural presentation that featured dances, tassa drumming, songs, and dramatic poetry.
Dances were performed by popular dance troupes Dharmic Swarswattie Dance Academy, the Khandhiya, and the Dancing Devas among other dance troupes.