Woodley Park Vishnu Mandir claimed first place in the large float category at this year’s Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) annual motorcade, held on Wednesday night.
The event concluded at La Bonne Intention (LBI). The mandir’s float captivated onlookers and coordinator Deodat Siriram attributed their success to “pure dedication and commitment,” adding that it was a product of “youth participation and sleepless nights.”
This isn’t the mandir’s first victory, and they’ve continued to uphold the audience’s expectations. The mandir received a cash prize of $650,000 and a trophy.
In the large category, Strathspey Vishnu Temple came in second, followed by Dharmic Naujawaan in third, Philadelphia Hindu Temple in fourth, Success Vishnu Mandir in fifth, and LBI Mandir in sixth.
In the small category, GHDS West Berbice Mahila Mandalee took first place, while Spring Garden Bhuvaneshwar Mandir from Region Two secured second. Reliance Settlement Sanatan Mandir placed third, De Willen Hindu Temple fourth, No. 45 Shri Vishnu Mandir fifth, and Bath Shri Krishna Mandir sixth. These mandirs were also awarded cash prizes and trophies. Special awards went to Bhuvaneshwar Mandir No. 10 for the best float in the small category, East Demerara Praant Strathspey Vishnu Temple for the best large float, Success Vishnu Mandir for the most creative mandir, and Woodley Park Vishnu Mandir for best overall design.
Dr. Vindhya Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, stated, “This year’s motorcade was the largest with 42 floats registered.” She exulted that it was the biggest in GHDS history, fitting for the Sabha’s 50th anniversary.
Dr. Persaud emphasized the “testimony of mandir youth groups, individuals, communities, and organizations” in making GHDS iconic for over four decades. “What was evident was the fact that not only were the floats beautiful, but the teamwork, research, and spirit were clearly visible,” Dr. Persaud said, highlighting the effort that went into depicting various divine manifestations.
Dr. Persaud also expressed gratitude for the turnout and participation: “It shows the world that Guyana continues to maintain the Diwali motorcade as an iconic observance of the festival of Diwali; we are the home of the Diwali motorcade, a brainchild of Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.” She extended thanks to all those who came out, the corporate sponsors, and the Government of Guyana for supporting multiple floats.
The grand motorcade departed from Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville, at 6:30 p.m. and traveled to the LBI Ground, where a cultural show awaited.
