| . Trinidad's Divali Nagar Underway Paras Ramoutar TRINIDAD, October 15, 2003: An acclaimed folk group from the state of Rajasthan, India, will provide nightly performances at the 17th annual Divali Nagar for one week, from today. The group will perform at the Divali Nagar Centre, Endeavour Road, Chaguanas, until Thursday, October 23. Additionally, a pictorial exhibition on the theme of the child is being researched and produced in Mumbai, India for the Divali Nagar. "The Child, Shall We Rock Or Wreck the Cradle" is the theme for this year's observance of Divali Nagar, according to Deokienanan Sharma, president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC). An estimated 100,000 patrons are expected to visit the festival. Chaguanas Mayor Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan officiated at a seven-night Ramayan Yagna last week as a prelude to the actual Divali Nagar celebrations. Dr. Rambachan's focus was on "The Child and Good Parenting" and was based on the teachings of the Ramayana and other Hindu texts. Among other features at the Nagar are a food fair of East Indian vegetarian delicacies and non-Indian vegetarian foods; a folk theatre featuring local groups with presentations of songs, dances, poetry, skits and drama; participation of more than 20 religious and social groups; and Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme personnel interacting with visitors. Lakshmi Puja will be performed tonight and every night afterwards. Organizers are also encouraging school visits and children's programme during the day and the nightly lighting of deyas (oil lamps); a commercial area where business houses will display and sell their products; and, a spectacular fireworks display as a grand finale to the Festival. |
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