Diwali motorcade returns to light up East Coast
This time last year it seemed the darkness of the country’s crime wave would forever engulf the forces of good when the traditional East Coast Diwali motorcade was cancelled over security fears.

Hindu goddess: These two young ladies were part of the Murti Shop display, which depicted the traditional obedience Indian wives have for their husbands. It portrays Mother Lakshmi on the sheshaj seated at the feet of Lord Vishnu. The occasion was the Annual Diwali Motorcade on Friday

But on Friday night the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s procession slowly moved off from the Radha Krishna Mandir in Campbellville and shone its light once again upon the East Coast communities before proceeding to the LBI community ground for a grand cultural programme.

Diwali Splendor: This beautifully lit display was the Andrew Arts depiction of Lord Vishnu’s journey to destroy Ravan. It secured the first prize in the small category. The occasion was the annual Diwali Motorcade staged by the Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

Thousands jammed the seawalls from as early as 6:00 pm to usher in Narkachaturdashi or choitidiwal, the third day of Diwali with crowds stretching from Vlissengen Road all the way to LBI. The blend of the gathering reflected the cultural diversity, which surrounds this holiday known to many as the ‘Festival of Lights’.

A section of the large crowd which converged on Sandybabb Street, Campbellville views the Annual Diwali Motorcade as it moved off from the Radha Krishna Mandir onn Friday.

With the judges looking for illumination, dress/deportment and appropriate depiction among other things the beautifully lit displays showcased the historical meaning of the festival. Depicting the avataan of Lakshmi Narayan, the Eccles Vishnu Mandir, which got the judges’ nod for the top position in the large category, displayed Gaja Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and Santhanee Lakshmi, the goddess of offspring among her other forms with their participants outfitted in costumes riding on a beautifully illuminated truck.

Showering blessings: Mother Laksmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is seated in a lotus flower with her hand raised offering blessings as part of the Better Hope Devi Mandir display at the Annual Diwali Motorcade on Friday

The Better Hope Mandir, which won in 2000 and 2001 failed in its bid to finish at the top a third time. The group depicted Mother Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity showering her blessings on the world.

On the road: The Murti Shop and its display proceeding through the streets of Georgetown during the Annual Diwali Motorcade on Friday.

The Radhay Krishna Mandir from Coglan Dam, West Bank Demerara finished second in the large category followed by the Dharmic Nanjaawan Mandir.

Andrew Arts on the East Coast Demerara took top honours in the small category. Mon Repos’s Shri Sathya Naranyan Mandir placed second while the Murti Shop finished third followed by the Little India Shop in fourth place. Good Hope Mandir and the Mon Repos Shiv Mandir received consolation prizes in this category.

In their portrayal of Diwali, Andrew Arts told the story of Lord Vishnu making the journey to destroy Ravan, accompanied by Lakshmi and all those who wanted to protect her during the trip.

Pandit Jagmohan Persaud of the Guyana Dharmic Hindu Sabha told Sunday Stabroek the annual motorcade has over the years played a great part in making Diwali a national event. He said celebrations had transcended religions and become a countrywide event.

He noted that only 30 years ago Diwali celebrations were confined to the home. He said this year two motorcades were held in Essse-quibo, four were held in Ber-bice and one on the West Coast Demerara in addition to the East Demerara Praant.

Sunday October 26, 2003