Live in unity, uphold the tradition – Dr Vindhya Persaud

Creativity was evident at this year’s annual Dharmic Sabha motorcade held Thursday evening at the Anna Regina Centre ground in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Mandir members skilfully displayed intricate sculptures depicting the goddess Mother Lakshmi which conveyed strong messages about the festival of light, Diwali.
Golden Fleece Vishwa Jhotir Mandir outshone the 14 other illuminated floats. This Mandir managed to retain the first position from last year by wowing the judges with their neatly crafted modern design. The float depicted the seven forms of Mother Lakshmi and how she came into being (by the churning of the milky ocean). Youths of the Mandir were also clad in decorated Indian garments, which added to the appeal.
Placing first the Golden Fleece Mandir won $120,000, while the second-place position was won by the Reliance Mandir. Grasping third position was Anna Regina and fourth place was secured by Affiance Mandir. In fifth positions were Cotton Field and Airy Hall Mandirs.
Consolation prizes were awarded to Swarswattie Dance Academy, Adventure Mandir, Aurora Estate Mandir, Queenstown Mandir, Spring Garden Mandir, Spring Garden School of Music, Johanna Cecilia Mandir, Kandhaiya Dance Troupe and Cullen Mandir.
Floats were judged along dress, discipline, music, originality, punctuality, lights (quantity and arrangements), creativity, relevance, oral depiction, theme and banner. The designs were outstanding, which was testimony to the level of the participants’ preparation.

“Love and Unity”
Addressing the large gathering, Head of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud called on Essequibians to uphold the Hindu tradition and culture brought to Guyana by the Indian ancestors and emphasised that the rich culture can only be upheld if Hindus live in unity and love.
During her discourse she also acknowledged that the motorcade was the largest in Essequibo, with amazing floats, when compared to previous years. This she said is a proud moment for the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, wile reminding that it has been 40 years since the Sabha has been hosting countrywide motorcades; a legacy of her father the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.
She urged fellow Hindus not to be afraid; to hold hands in unity to upkeep the Hindu tradition, customs and beliefs.
In closing she expressed gratitude to Essequibo for always supporting Dharmic’s activities. The President of the Sabha also urged residents on the Essequibo Coast to stand up for what they believe, and to never surrender to difficulties.
Shubh Diwali greetings were also extended by vice president of the Sabha, Pandit Jagmohan Persaud who used the opportunity to urge Hindus to celebrate the festival on Sunday and gave a detailed explanation why that date is appropriate.
The cultural programme featured dance, tassa drumming, and song. Dances were performed by popular dance troupes Swarswattie Dance Academy and the Khaniya. This year, members of the dance troupes also took part in the motorcade, which added extra flair to the event.
Persons who could not make it to the Anna Regina ground delightfully cheered the floats on as they made their way through the villages.
The Dharmic Naujawan also played a major part in the motorcade: youths led the floats in a diyalit parade. The youth arm of the Sabha held lighted diyas in their hands while walking from Bush Lot to the Centre ground.