On Saturday, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) kicked off its two-day 170th Indian Arrival anniversary celebration with a swirl of creativity, bringing to life an indentureship-period village.
The National Stadium featured a number of imitation “logies” [small rectangular houses made of clay and branches] complete with kitchen, prayer room and sleeping quarters. The kitchens were equipped with “firesides” made of clay and an array of traditional Indian cookware and eating utensils.
“That is what your grandmother used to cook on,” a number of parents were heard telling their children. The sights brought back many memories for older Indo-Guyanese and captured the interest of the younger ones who were eager to see and absorb the rich culture surrounding them.
Two models of the Whitby – which brought some of the first immigrants – were on display and those present were given an opportunity to showcase their talents on stage. A number of booths belonging to various businesses were scattered throughout the compound. Various Indian dishes, clothes, jewellery and crafts were on sale.
A number of performances were also staged by various Indian artistes and dance groups, among them were Krishna Mandata, Mohan Nandu and Suchitra Rampersaud.
“You will feel as if you have stepped back in time onto a sugar plantation in the 19th century…” Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, President of the Sabha, had told the press on April 25 at a press conference announcing the event and this was the exact atmosphere which was created.
