“Let the light of progress continue” – Ramotar

President Ramotar with one of the winning groups from the float competition

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Monday evening pulled off one of the biggest Diwali motorcade ever since its existence some 40 years ago, at the La Bonne Intention Community Ground.  Over 25 floats participated in the small; large and commercial categories.
The floats were magnificently lit and decorated as usual, but a touch of class and immense creativity were added to excite the thousands who flocked the seawalls, and along the route to the LBI ground, in order to get a glimpse of the kaleidoscope of colours.
The grand spectacle arose from a series of motorcades that were held countrywide, which culminated with the grand affair.
Annually, all the floats from the various organisations assemble at the Rama Krishna Mandir in Campbellville, Georgetown, and proceed along the East Coast Highway to the LBI Community Centre Ground for the grand cultural extravaganza.
The show on the streets attracts thousands every year, with many parents bringing out their children to be part of the celebrations.
People of all walks of life camped out on the lawns of the seawall or stayed in their vehicles until they would have gotten a chance to witness the illuminated floats, which were accompanied by either live singing by mandir groups, or recorded music paying homage to the goddess Maha Lakshmi.
Many reflected, 40 years ago, when the first ever Diwali Motorcade was held under the stewardship of Dr Repu Daman Persaud, when it mainly comprised of vehicles with lights, but over the years, the motorcades have grown to be a spectacle of artistic creations, depicting Hindu gods and goddesses, namely Swarswattie, Lord Ram, Mother Seeta, and more importantly, Maha Lakshmi Maa, the Goddess of Light.

One of the intricate Diwali floats

The floats were judged at strategic locations as they made their way to the LBI ground from Georgetown, where the final aspect of the judging was done.
Announcing the winners of the various categories is one of the most exciting and anticipated moments of the Diwali motorcade. Until the results are announced, no one leaves.
And for the sixth consecutive year, Edward B Beharry and Company Limited carted off with the grand prize in the commercial category, followed by Guyana’s Children in second place.
In the large category, the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Group was awarded the first spot, followed by the Dharmic Sabha’s Youth Arm in second position and Mon Repos Shri Sathyanarine Mandir third.
The prize for most creative float in the small category was given to Mon Repos Mandir.
In the highly competitive small category, the top prize went to Mon Repos Bakti Bavan.  Abiyah Indian Fashion brought second and the Belasar family third.
The prize for the most creative float in the small category was bestowed upon Woodley Park Mandir.

A beautifully decorated house on Diwali night

The most creative float overall in the 2012 Annual Diwali Motorcade was Edward B Beharry and Company Limited. This magnificent spectacle was designed and assembled by Andrew Arts.
The grand occasion was attended by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, President Donald Ramotar, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Mrs Yvonne Hinds, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Finance Minister Ashni Singh, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Frank Anthony and members of the diplomatic corp and diaspora.

Light of prosperity
Addressing the large gathering, President Ramotar reminisced on the significance of the festival, noting that two decades ago, Guyana came out of darkness and has now seen the light of economic prosperity and democracy.
He reiterated that his Cabinet will work tirelessly to ensure the path is continuously lit with progress, leading Guyana to further development.  “We have to pursue that path relentlessly. We have to keep the light ahead of us and not allow ourselves to be entrapped in darkness,” the president added.
He told the gathering that many of the wicked acts 20 years ago were planned in the dark, and therefore all must continuously work for the good of Guyana. “We must be careful and remember to always guard the light, so that we can continue the progress, we have started some 20 years ago.”

Another beautifully decorated house in Georgetown

The president also encouraged the audience to be cognisant of the fact that the same people who orchestrated Guyana’s darkness past are rearing their heads, and are trying to take the country down that path again.
He complimented the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha for a well planned and executed 2012 motorcade, and wished all a blissful festival of lights.
Apart from the motorcade and speeches, there were spectacular performances by talented Guyanese from various organisations and mandirs in the form of dances, songs and other items.
A Trinidadian singer also took the audience back to yesteryear with a few delightful hits. Some thought that they were at an 80s concert, but nevertheless, the audience cheered lustily as Attorney General Anil Nandlall tested his vocal talents.
The night, however, belonged to young people, who were beautifully decked out on their spectacular floats. Almost all of them featured some representation of Diwali, with the most common attraction being a lotus flower with a little girl dressed as Maha Lakshmi.