-by Kyler Rollins

The Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra, Region Six, will come alive this Tuesday as Guyanese gather to commemorate Indian Arrival Day and celebrate the cultural heritage that has helped shape the nation’s diversity.

Soon, the grounds will come alive in a vibrant celebration of heritage, culture and tradition, marking the 188th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to Guyana aboard the Whitby and the Hesperus. NCN caught up with Chairman of the East Berbice Praant, Pandit Dr. Deodat Prasad, who shared insights into the preparations and what attendees can expect from this grand celebration.

“Currently, we are working on the props, designs, ensuring that vendors are on stream. The programme, we’re tailoring that also to, as you can see, even to the lawns that are being prepared at this time here. So it is just a matter of assembling at the right time, which is like usually two days before the event itself,” he said.

With full participation expected from Praants across East and West Berbice, the event will feature a packed program of traditional dances, live performances by local artists, a vibrant food festival and a grand exhibition showcasing the invaluable contributions of East Indians to Guyana’s rich cultural tapestry. 

“East Indians have contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Guyana, and so we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight that, whether it’s through the rituals. Usually in the past, we would have had different booths showcasing weddings, ceremonies, etc.We also wanted to showcase the musical instruments being used. We also have a huge display of the boats.”

Individuals also gather at Haibari East Bank Berbice on the morning of May 5 to reflect on the hardships endured by their foreparents and to honor their resilience and triumph in the years that followed. These activities usually attract Guyanese from all walks of life, reflecting the nation’s diversity and unity in keeping with President Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali’s One Guyana vision.