Paras Ramoutar
TRINIDAD, October 7, 2004: An exhibition, songs, music, drama and dance will reflect on “Hindu Customs and Traditions” the theme for this year’s Divali Nagar. And this will be highlighted on the stages of Divali Nagar and the Folk Theatre, according to Deokienanan Sharma, president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC). Sharma said that the 18th celebration of Divali Nagar will commence on November 2 and will run for nine days culminating on November 10. Divali will be observed on Thursday November 11. “As it has become customary, Divali Nagar will be preceded by its annual Yagna and discourses will focus on the theme, “Hindu Customs and Traditions as gleaned from the Holy Ramayana and other religious texts,” Sharma said. Mayor of Chaguanas, His Worship, Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan will deliver the discourses nightly. “This yagna will hold special significance as it will be the 100th yagna at which Dr. Rambachan has officiated since he started delivering Ramayana discourses some years ago. The yagna runs for seven days commencing on October 21 and ending on October 27. Lakshmi Puja will be conducted at 6 p.m. on the opening night, as well as all other nights.
Divali Nagar’s nightly programming will see performances by top local artsites, bhajan and folk groups, dance groups and several orchestras. These orchestras will include: JMC Triveni, Activ Trishul, T&TEC Gayatones, Naya Zamana, Petrotrin’s Rangeela. Of special significance will be the presence of the Naya Zamana Orchestra, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary of existence and will be giving an extra special performance to mark the occasion. In addition to local performers, Divali Nagar will also be presenting artistes from Canada, Bangladesh, India and Jamaica. Nada Sangam Steel Orchestra and the Tunapuna All Stars Steel Orchestra will add a distinctive Trinidadian flavour to the entertainment. The Coco-Cola Talent Grand Finals, a highlight of the Nagar, takes place on Monday November 8 under the distinguished patronage of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His excellency, Prof. George Maxwell Richards. This is a keenly contested event at which $25,000 will be at stake in prizes, including a $10,000 first prize.
Sharma continued: “The Divali Nagar’s Folk Theatre is gaining in prominence each year rivalling the main stage performances. This year promises to be even better as performances will include four plays by the Waterloo High School, Mt.Hope Medical Students, University of the West Indies students, and Presentation College, San Fernando. Additionally, there will poetry, story-telling, folk songs and dances.” Several religious groups will be participating at Nagar, displaying their own work, beliefs and customs. Additionally, there will be many NGO’s taking part with the focus to counsel and direct people with their problems. They include: Coalition Against Domestic Violence, National Aids Coordinating Committee, T&T HIV Aids Alliance, ASPIRE, KIND, YTEPP, Diabetes Association, Alcoholics Anonymous. “As usual, there will be commercial area where Divali purchases can be made and the ever popular Food Court are selling mouth-watering Indian and Chinese vegetarian delicacies. There will also be a formal restaurant offering authentic Indian foods and sweets,” Sharma said. Shrama said that on Wednesday November, the final night, the Nagar will feature Activ Trishul Orchestra, Kiss Natraj Dance Group, Nirvana School of Dance, Shivananad Maharaj and Group, Dr. Beni Balkaran, Dr. Prahalad Sooknanan and Shani Tullan from Jamaica. “To usher in Divali 2004, there will be a magnificent display of fireworks courtesy CLICO,” he added.