The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) is planning three melas and an exhibition at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri to celebrate 171 years since the arrival of East Indians to Guyana.

In a press release the IAC said this is the seventh year that it has been promoting events to mark the arrival of East Indians which is observed on May 5 annually. The first batch of indentured Indians arrived on May 5, 1838.

The IAC will host its first Grand International Mela on May 3 at the National Park, the second at the Albion Sports Complex Ground in Berbice on May 5 and the third at the Anna Regina Community Ground in Essequibo on May 10.

The year, renowned Kathak dancer Mahua Shankar and Banaras Thumri Diva, Kumud Diwan will be part of a ten-member team coming to Guyana from India to celebrate Indian arrival 2009.

Shankar has performed with Pandit Birju Maharaj in his major productions in many prestigious festivals and has travelled extensively in India and further afield. She also has dance sequences in Gaddar and Devdas.

The release said Diwan combines the best of the Banaras and Lucknow styles of Thumri singing. She has a rare gifted voice that lends itself to all forms of classical and semi-classical genres.

Additionally, the IAC in collaboration with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport will mount an exhibition reflecting Indian arrival from May 1- 7. A special welcoming ceremony will be held for visitors at the launch of the exhibition.

Also, the IAC said it will continue to honour outstanding Guyanese Indians who have contributed to the country’s development in various fields. To date 20 persons have been honoured with the IAC award.