GHDS Region 2 Diwali Motorcade: Essequibo Coast Dharmic Nawjawan cops 1st prize in Large Float category

– Spring Garden Mandir wins Small Float category

The Region Two Diwali Motorcade illuminated public spaces along the Essequibo Coast last Friday evening as residents, high in spirits, gathered to enjoy witnessing one of the most dazzling spectacles to occur on the roadways from Pomeroon to Supenaam.
Hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), the event showcased the incredible creativity of youth groups, mandirs and community members as they celebrated the Diwali message of light triumphing over darkness.
Floats from several mandirs, including Essequibo Coast Dharmic Nawjawan, Queenstown Gyaan Sagar Mandir, New Road Mandir, Spring Garden Mandir, Airy Hall Mandir, Affiance Mandir, Hibernia Mandir, Better Success Mandir, Siriki Mandir in the Pomeroon, among others, captured the essence of Diwali through their intricate designs.

These floats, designed and adorned by devoted young people, brought to life, along the Essequibo Coast, portrayals of Hindu Deities; and the chants of bhajans and spiritual hymns formed a fitting accompaniment to the ambience created.
The standout float, created by the Essequibo Coast Dharmic Nawjawan, featured children, teens and adults working together to present a beautifully rendered theme. It earned first place in the Large Float Category. Close contenders were Queenstown Gyaan Sagar Mandir, which secured second place, and New Road Mandir, which secured third place.

Spring Garden Bhuvaneshwar Mandir took top prize in the Small Float Category, with Airy Hall Mandir placing second and Affiance Mandir in third.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Vindhya Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, praised the community’s dedication in upholding the spiritual and cultural essence of Diwali.

“Every year I come to Essequibo, I am always marvelled at the creativity, dedication, and effort that goes into these beautiful floats. Essequibo never fails to amaze, delight, and unite people across the region. Minister Vindhya shared.

Reflecting on how Diwali, “the festival of lights”, continues to foster spiritual connection and unity, the Minister remarked on the dedication of the Spring Garden Bhuvaneshwar Mandir in portraying divine figures like Ashtalakshmi, Ram, Latchman, and Mata Sita.
She noted that the beauty of the motorcade lies not only in the creative floats, but in the spiritual energy of the festival, which she observed in the devotion and artistry of the participants.
The Minister also reminded attendees of Diwali’s five-day significance, starting with Dhanteras and culminating in Diwali, when hundreds of diyas are traditionally lit to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into homes.
Emphasizing the values of positivity and resilience, she encouraged the community to let Diwali inspire light over darkness in all aspects of life.
As part of the night’s festivities, popular dance troupes such as Dharmic Swarswattie Dance Academy, the Khandhiya, and the Dancing Devas added to the event’s charm by performing mesmerizing traditional dances to the delight of attendees.