The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will be hosting Kala Utsav – its annual festival of arts – on Sunday, November 27 at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgrtown, beginning at 10:00h.
The Utsav will see more than 200 young people under the age of 25 participate in friendly competitions in the categories of Ramayan chanting, male and female singing, duet singing, classical dance, folk dance, instrumental music and Kirtan.
Kala Utsav, which was introduced by the Sabha more than 20 years ago, was conceived as an innovative way to propagate and preserve the Indian art forms.
Its intention is to motivate young people to continue the traditions of their foreparents and to achieve excellence in the various art forms, while simultaneously building talent bases in the various regions.
It is a launch pad for talented youths across the country and allows for talent to be discovered for future development. Trophies, certificates and cash incentives are given to all participants to encourage them.
Prior to the final Utsav, each of the Sabha’s Praants held preliminary Utsavs in their communities to select the best to represent them at the finals. Participants will come from Upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, East Berbice, West Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Coast Demerara and Essequibo.
One of the highlights of the Utsav is the Ramayan chanting category with dramatic depiction. This is aimed at promoting elements of the Ramleela tradition and last year, it saw many creative and excellent presentations.
The Kirtan and folk dance segments have always been audience favourites and this year is expected to be no different, as large groups in these categories have been practicing dedicatedly to put their best forward.
It is anticipated that some amazing new singing talent will be discovered on Sunday was well. It is recalled that singers such as Purnash Durgaprasad, Vishalie Sukram and Artie Sookhai made their debuts at Kala Utsav.
All are invited to come and be a part of this special day with the Sabha. Admission is free.
