Divali celebrations go virtual at Nagar

Divali celebrations at the Divali Nagar in Chaguanas, a grand annual event since 1986, have been cancelled this year owing to the pandemic.

The president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), Deokinanan Sharma, said he and other organisers are planning a virtual programme to commemorate the religious holiday, which is tentatively set for November 14.

"The virtual programme consists mainly of main stage entertainment. It might be for seven or nine days; we are not sure as yet. Events usually start nine days before the Divali holiday itself," Sharma told Sunday Newsday.

"The events will stream on the (NCIC’s) Facebook page and YouTube. We are looking at going to various media houses to see if they can carry the events."

Expressing concerns about the pandemic, Sharma emphasised that hosting the extravagant events had severe and deadly potential.

"It is not safe. We cannot take a chance to have people attending, because we could end up in serious problems," Sharma said. "These celebrations attract over 100,000 people over the nine days. We do not charge an entrance fee, so we do not have an exact figure."

The Divali Nagar site is off the Uriah Butler Highway at Narsaloo Ramaya Marg Road in Endeavour.

If there had been any previous cancellation at the Nagar, it would have been in 1990 owing to the attempted coup on July 27. Sharma said, "I have a feeling we did not have it that year, but I cannot confirm right now,"

Traditionally, religious organisations together with NGOs like Alcoholics Anonymous display their products and services at the Nagar site. There are modelling competitions, religious programmes, skits and other events.

Each year, there is also an exhibition hosted by visitors from India based on the celebrations' theme.

A release on Friday by the NCIC’s public relations officer Surujdeo Mangaroo first announced the cancellation.

The decision came from the board of directors after intense deliberations and assessments of the many risks involved and to ensure the health and safety of artisans, artists, staff, and the public.

"Our most recent covid19 public health regulations. with its restrictions on assembly/mass gatherings. etc, creates numerous difficulties for rehearsals and preparations for this national event," Mangaroo said.

"However, please note that we will be presenting a Virtual Divali Nagar 2020. Details regarding dates, contents, and platform will be given in a subsequent release."

The NCIC apologised, he said, for any inconvenience caused, but the health and safety of citizens and patrons are paramount.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh on Saturday commended the NCIC for going with a virtual programme this year, and thanked the Hindu community for adapting to the changes for public events.