No fireworks this year as Divali Nagar celebrates Mother Earth

BAVINA SOOKDEO

As the calendar turns to November, anticipation mounts for the annual Divali Nagar, a celebration replete with entertainment, culture, cuisine, and exhibitor promotions. The nagar runs from November 3-11 with the theme Dharti Maataa, or Mother Earth and as a result there will no fireworks this year.

Based at Narsaloo Ramaya Marg in Endeavour, Chaguanas, the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) is the primary organisation dedicated to nurturing and promoting East Indian and Indo-Trinidadian culture in Trinidad and Tobago. In the 1960s, Indo-Trinidadians, passionate about preserving their heritage, expressed it through various art forms like music and dance.

One popular orchestra, Naya Zamana, faced a medical crisis involving its founder, Nazeer Mohammed,  cultural activist Bisram Gopie to step in. His fundraising initiative's success kindled the birth of an organisation supporting East Indian artistes.

In 1964, the National Council for Indian Music and Drama (NCIMD) was established, with Gopie as its inaugural president.

Over the years, the organisation expanded, supporting artistes and fostering their growth. In 1972, it was renamed the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) to encompass all facets of Indian cultural expression. The NCIC actively collaborated with the high commission of India, facilitating cultural exchanges, workshops, and education in India for local talents.

Divali Nagar, now a globally-recognised flagship event, emerged in 1986 under the leadership of Hansley Hanoomansingh. The organisation’s growth prompted the search for a permanent home, which the government granted in 1986. The NCIC site includes an auditorium named after the first president, Gopie, a main stage, and the Heritage Centre.

Exploring the selection of this year’s theme, Surujdeo Mangaroo, the first vice president of the NCIC, articulated its resonance with the festival's core values of Divali.

“It serves as an opportunity to champion environmental consciousness and cultural heritage,” he said in an interview with Newsday.

He said 153 booths were reserved for the event, reflecting an encouraging uptick in corporate participation. Mangaroo emphasised the concerted effort dedicated to ensuring a successful nagar for all attendees.

“A lot of work and energy is being put into that venue to ensure we have a successful nagar and we are making all accommodation for our guests, our artistes and everyone.”

Mangaroo highlighted a focus on promoting young artistes. While performances are taking place, an LED screen will display images and artist information, venturing into educational aspects.

“We are researching the item and the different types of raags (melodies) etcetera, will be presented on the screen because apart from entertainment we want to educate.”

There will be no fireworks display this year as is customary on the final night of Divali Nagar. As Mangaroo explained this is to not only show respect for Mother Earth but because “we must respect those around us – those living in the area and animals as well.”

Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell will speak on the opening night.

President Christine Carla Kangaloo will address the nagar on November 8, and Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on November 9.

The Divali Nagar's influence has expanded far and wide, captivating audiences in Fiji, Sri Lanka, India, the Caribbean, and beyond. An estimated 200,000 visitors are expected during the nine-day extravaganza.

As for audience access, the event can be viewed via the NCIC's YouTube channel, accompanied by in-house television production. Live broadcasts will be aired on ieTV and Caribbean Showtime in Canada. Negotiations are under way to extend this reach to Suriname and Guyana, with social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok further facilitating global viewership.

Regarding concerns about parking at the venue, both the north and south car parks will accommodate visitors.

Mangaroo said, “We have already distributed 700 booth holders’ passes, 100 media, 250 artistes, 75 tech crew and corporate passes so we need to have proper parking accommodation. We try our best to manage the traffic so we have police presence throughout the nagar and they will do their best to manage the traffic and keep everyone safe.”

The distinguished chief guest for this year is Karen Gopee, the first Indo-Caribbean Justice of the Supreme Court of New York, raised in a working-class family in Tunapuna. Her pursuit of education led to her appointment as a judge by then mayor Bill de Blasio in 2015, extending her jurisdiction to the Supreme Court in Queens County.

President of the NCIC, Deoroop Temal will reveal the theme of next year's event on the closing night.

Events begin at 7 pm nightly.

Schedule for the Divali Nagar:

November 3
Jovan Luke Rambaran – pan
First Citizens Dragon Boys
Hindu Prachar Kendra
(Bhoomi Sukhtam)
Shiv Shakti Dancers
Mohip Poonwasie – local composition on Dharti Mata
Shivannand Maharaj ­ & Shastriya Sangeet/bhajan’s
Narendra Maharaj – Basuri (Kya Dharti Mata aur Kya Ganga maya)

November 4
Shane Musai & Sandhiya Roopnarine
Madan Ramdass
Avatar the Band
Akshay Khandoo
Kimlyn Boodram
Diana Singh
Mukesh Colai
Anuradha Hansraj
Satnarine Ragoo
Radha Krishna dance group
Nisha Ramkissoon
Chaguanas mayor Faaiq Mohammed
Honouring Meera Gangapersad – posthumously

November 5
Omarnath Bridgelal
Akash Kissoon
D Rampersad Indi Art Orchestra
Woodland Dance Academy
MGICC Dance – Reshma Rajeev
Honouring Richard Ramlakhansingh – posthumously
Greetings from Dr Partap Singh Rajpurohit, High Commissioner of India to Trinidad

November 6
Alan Rudesh Samaroo
Rooplal Girdharie
Charlie Beena Sangeet Orchestra
SK Dance Academy
Honouring Krishendath Joe Ramkissoon

November 7
Nritanjali Dance
RG the Band
Neeshad Sultan
Katelin Sultan
Nadia Madoo
Victoria Amrita Maharaj
Dubraj Persad
Amritam Shakti Dance Group
Honouring of Capil Gayadeen

November 8
Neval Chatelal
Vedath Motoor
Nritya Sangam Dance Group
Shooting Stars Tassa Group
Rasika Dindial
President Christine Carla Kangaloo

November 9
Sargam International Orchestra
Rana Mohip
Susan Mohip Dance Group
UWI Indian Cultural Group
Devashish Ramdath
MGICC –Kamla Dhyani
Honouring Bob Ramroop
Remarks by Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar

November 10
Vishal Surujdeo
Abhijit Anchortassoo
Kaveesh “D” Band
Karishma Dhowtal
Avocat Vedic School Tassa
Bollywood Dancers
Apsara Dance Group

November 11
Sunanda Mohip, pannist
Anjely Rajkumar
Karma – Ravi B & Nisha B
Khalnayak Dance Academy
Veejai Ramkissoon
Marabella United Tassa Rhythms
Qualitec Roaring Iron Riddim Section
Address by Sen Deoroop Teemal, chairman, Divali Nagar