The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), in preparation for the celebration of the 177th anniversary of Indian Arrival, will host its customary Mela events, which will commence on May 1 and end on May 5.
This was revealed by the IAC executive members at a press conference held on Friday.
Noting that Arrival Day is observed on May 5, executive member Raymond Azeez stated that starting in 2003, the IAC has been organising annual events countrywide. He said that there will be three Melas: May 1 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, inclusive of a Choka Fest; May 2 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, Essequibo, and May 5 at the Albion Sports Complex, Berbice. He took the opportunity to thank sponsors who have helped make the events a success, including GT&T and Banks DIH.
Over the past decade, the IAC had become well known mainly for its grand cultural Melas held countrywide. It also engages in commemorative cultural activities throughout the year to highlight Indian culture, religion, festivals and paying tribute to those who have made sacrifice or were victims of different forms of exploitation.
Aside from the Choka fest, the Melas will offer seven-curry food booths, special delicacies out of India, a wide range of sweetmeats and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be games and family activities along with exhibits to showcase the three major religions of Guyana as well as various aspects of the Indian culture.
According to Aditya Persaud, Executive member of IAC, the Hamara (OUR) Guyana concerts will have a number of artistes as well as overseas Guyanese who are returning to specifically to perform at these concerts. These include Terry Gajraj and Marissa Deodat along with top local singers and dancers. There will also be appearances by KI and his full band along with Sally Sagram out of Trinidad and Tobago. Sagram and Neval Chatelal will perform at Albion, while she will join another top Trinidadian artiste in Essequibo.
With elections falling around the same period, members of the IAC on Friday informed reporters that Indian arrival day always falls in this period of the year and the activities will still go on. They noted at the same time that they will stress to the audience at all three Melas that they must behave with decorum and they must obey the laws of Guyana and remain peaceful.
The events feature free parking and tight security and admission costs $500 for adults, while children will enter free.
