The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) will be hosting a number of activities leading up to the observance of Diwali 2020 slated for November 14.
All the activities have been planned with COVID-19 restrictions in mind.
The first event is set to take place on Thursday, November 5 at 17:30h at the Seawall Roundabout with the lighting of a dazzling structure of diyas which will brighten the area each night until Diwali.
The short cultural programme will include music and songs and the ceremonial switching-on of the lights of the beautiful multi-diya structure. The event will be streamed on the Sabha’s Facebook page and broadcast live via E-Networks and other channels. This event is referred to as “Deep Jale”.
In addition, there will be the virtual rangoli competition which will feature creative pieces at the entrances of homes and businesses to welcome Maha Lakshmi.
Persons are asked to submitting three photos of their designs, them making the rangoli, and the finished rangoli to the Sabha’s Facebook page. These will be judged by the public and prizes will be awarded. The competition is open to all.
However, for the first time in 46 years, the Sabha will be presenting a virtual Diwali motorcade showcasing spectacular floats and featuring outstanding local and international artistes in a two-and-a-half-hour live concert. This is set for Friday, November 13 commencing at 20:30h.
Live performances will be done by Ben Parag, Purnash Durgaprasad, Vishale Sookram, Suchitra Rampersaud, Artie Sookhai-Khellawan, all of whom are based in New York along with Neval Chatelall of Trinidad and Tobago.
The other performers are Suraj Singh, Ganindra, Sonya Ragbeer, Sookrane Boodhoo, Mona Gowkaran, Rekha Ranglall, Richie Hansraj and Nayakumari Roopram.
There will also be fabulous dance performances by Dharmic Nritya Sangh and others. The programme will be aired on E-Networks Channel E3; National Communications Network (NCN); National Television Network (NTN) and the Sabha’s social media page.
Finally, the grand light-up on the evening of Diwali. The Sabha is urging all to light up their homes and businesses with traditional diyas and the modern touch of electrical light as we seek to dispel darkness in all its forms.
The public is encouraged to send photos of their houses and the best will be featured on the Sabha’s TV programmes and Facebook page.
The Sabha reiterated to the Hindu community to perform Lakshmi Puja at homes and in mandirs while observing the COVID-19 guidelines.
