Indian Arrival Expo set for this Sunday

The much anticipated Indian Arrival Expo will be held on Sunday, May 29 at the Lenora Synthetic Track’s parking lot, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and according to the steering committee the event will be used to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of East Indians.

Speaking to Guyana Times Shanta Ranglall of the Committee, explained that while the event is traditionally held to coincide with Arrival Day which is observed on May 5, the Committee chose to host the Expo on May 29 to end the month of celebration: “The month of May is known as the Indian Arrival Heritage Month, so we chose May 29 to just bring the curtain down and end it with the Indian Arrival Expo,” she stated.

Public Relations Officer of the Committee, Shri Ram Talmakund related that it is the first time the Expo is being held in Region Three and the change in location is welcomed as it brings attention to the beauty of the villages along West Coast Demerara. He related that preparations for the event were not “quite easy” however, he is pleased with the preparations that have been made.

“The planning was not easy but we went all the way to get all three religious organizations, as well as other organizations, involved. On that day we will be having various booths, not only games. We will be having sports, such as cricket matches.

We will also have race car drivers present, along with their race cars on exhibition. It will be a full Indian cultural day in terms of clothing, food and games. The cultural show starts in the evening at 17:00h and will feature items such as songs and dances as well as skits from all three of the major religions,” he explained.

Suraj Dhanpaul, the organizer responsible for the cultural aspect of the event, explained that a number of activities will take place for the cultural heritage of East Indians: “All three religious organizations would be participating in this Indian Arrival Expo.

We will be having a gentleman from Essequibo who will be giving live pottery demonstrations on site. We will also have murtis being made there as well. We will be having Indian clothing and furniture on display as well as on sale. So it is going to be showing everyone how our ancestors used to live many years ago when they first came to Guyana.”

He also revealed that there will be a medical booth which will be offering check-ups and a yoga booth on site.

Meanwhile, Haresh Rambarak related that a number of fun games and activities will be available for the entire family to participate in. “One of the most interesting activities would be the game aspect of it.

We will be having merry-go rounds, a Ferris wheel, face painting, photo booths with cartoon characters such as Elsa from Frozen, Dora and a few others who would be there for the photo aspect.

There will be a lot of prizes which would be won on that day, especially in the games booth. There are a number of activities planned for that day, so it will be fun and enjoyable,” he stated, while encouraging persons to visit the exhibition.