Divali Nagar 2006 Opening Night in pictures
TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: October 12, 2006
Posted: October 16, 2006
Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated here in Trinidad and Tobago annually as a part of Hindu ritual celebrations. Dipavali, from which the word "Divali" is derived, is a Sanskrit word meaning "row of lights". This festival is celebrated by the Hindus in the East Indian community who were descended from indentured laborers brought to the country circa 1845 from India.
There are two mythological legends associated with Dipavali. The first: Dipavali was held to celebrate the return of the Rama, King of Ayodhya, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana to Koshala after a war in which he killed the demon, Ravana. Because it was approaching dusk and the light of the sun began to fade, people from the village lit oil lamps to illuminate their way. In addition, the festival commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon by Lord Krishna. In this way, Dipavali is a festival symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.
Secondly, legend also has it that on this day Mother Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. She brought with her wealth and prosperity for mankind. On that day, Lakshmi Pooja was performed to honor her.
Before the Divali celebrations, Hindus prepare themselves as well as their homes and their mandirs, which are cleaned, repainted and redecorated. Hindus also observe a period of abstinence and fasting and conduct pujas. During this time, worship to the Goddess Lakshmi, the presiding deity of the Divali festival, is done as part of the holy ritualism of the festival. Hindus believe that Mother Lakshmi will not enter any home, mandir, or environment where there is uncleanliness and unworthy attitudes and behavior.
For the past twenty years the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) has hosted the Divali Nagar (Village of Lights) celebrations. The Divali Nagar is a nine day celebration that proceeds the actual Divali celebrations which is a major event on the Hindu calendar. On that day, thousands of deyas (lamps made of clay) are lit to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The Divali Nagar is transformed into an area of commerce and worship, with many booths showcasing products of both Indian and European heritage. At the site you can get a taste of many East Indian foods and sweets and also view many of the traditional East Indian wear.
Starting in 1986 at the Mid Centre Mall in Chaguanas, the festival has grown to what is today, a huge celebration hosted on the 15 acre piece of land at Endeavour Road, Chaguanas, leased to the National Council for Indian Culture in 1991 by the then Prime Minster of Trinidad and Tobago, A.N.R. Robinson. In fact, the only year that the festival was not held was in 1990; the year of the coup in Trinidad and Tobago.
The opening night of the Divali Nagar drew a huge gathering of the East Indian population. After the arrival of the chief guest, Shri Surendrath Capildeo (who was escorted by members of the Hindu Prachaar Kendra), at around 7.15pm, the show started with the a rendition of the national anthem on the sitar. The opening prayer and lighting of the symbolic deya were performed by Pundit Abedanand Persad Sharma followed by chanting from the Chinmaya Mission.
Following the 'Mangalam Ganesha' dance, an invocational dance performed by the Shiv Shakti Dance Group, the chairman, Surujdeo Mangaroo welcomed all to the celebrations of Divali. Narendra Maharaj performed the Bhajan (Indian religious hymn) "Tora Man Dharpan Kahaliya", which was followed by an item on the basuri (a simply crafted bamboo flute). He also performed a violin solo later on in the programme.
One performer that was very well-received on that night was Neval Chaitlal, winner of the 2006 local Indian talent show, Mastana Bahar, who performed the song, "Laga Chunari Me Daag".
The president of the NCIC, Shri Deokinanan Sharma, thanked many of the corporate sponsors for their continued support and encouraged them to continue to endorse the Divali Nagar Celebrations. However, the Divali Nagar site was without a police presence for the first time this year. The NCIC president, Deokienanan Sharma observed that it was strange not to have the police present after so many years of celebration. They, however, had a full set of privately hired security officers.
After the president spoke, the audience was treated to a video retrospective of the Divali celebrations 1996-2005.
The NCIC honored Mr. Hans Hannoomansingh for the vision he had which contributed to the start and continuation of the Divali Nagar celebrations. The NCIC also honored the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago for their initial support in 1996 and their continued support over the past 20 years.
The Dragon Boys Tassa group 'heated up' the opening ceremonies with their lively Tassa rhythms which was proceeded by the Bhajan 'Jagdambike' performed by Shakuntala Jangbahadoor who was also well-received by the audience.
Before delivering his feature address the chief guest, Shri Surendrath Capildeo was honored by the NCIC for his contributions to the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Shri Surendrath Capildeo is the son of Simboonath Capildeo (a lawyer who helped to create the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and member of the Democratic Labour Party) and nephew of Dr. Rudranath Capildeo (the leader of the Democratic Labour Party from 1960–1969 and leader of the Opposition in Parliament from 1961–1963).
Shri Surendrath Capildeo spoke about several of the contributions of Indians such as Indian art, architecture, science, medicine and mathematics and he paid tribute to the late Adrian Cola Rienzi, Frank Rampersad and Bhadase Sagan Maharaj. He then introduced a new term to those present by stating that he was the victim of many 'drive-by cussings'. He stated that Indians have been painted and tainted as a corrupt people who could not hold high office. However, he urged those present, "...not be disturbed" and that, "...in the very near future, the East Indian community would again have the privilege of demonstrating their mettle as Indians." Indians he believes, "...regard [themselves] as an eternal people" and would continue to show their might to the world.
The Shiv Shakti Dance Group performed a medley of Divali dances and the evening was closed by The Dragon Boys Tassa group who once again electrified the audience with their drumming skills.
Divali Nagar 2006 Opening Night in pictures
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