Divali Nagar to cost 5 million

NCIC president, Dr Deokienanan Sharma, says with Government’s subvention being considerably lower, the Council is working towards raising funds to meet the shortfall.

In 2015 the NCIC received $1.5 million.

Sharma said the Nagar has grown to be a huge business venture for many small, medium and large businesses of TT and the Caribbean.

“We provide employment for many who work on the ground level. We also provide employment for entertainers, including orchestras, dancers, musicians, singers, tassa drummers and stage personnel,” he said, adding that a lot of money is generated from the fashion and food businesses at the Nagar which is based in Chaguanas. This year’s eight night festival runs from October 20 to 28.

Sharma noted that Indian-based Zee TV provided coverage of the main stage at the Nagar to 23 countries last year and is expected to do so again this year.

The theme for this year’s event is “Maa Ganga - Mother of the Oceans and Rivers”.

Sharma said the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) will be playing a major role in this year’s Nagar as they highlight the various rivers and seas in and around TT.

“They will also host several programmes dealing with pollution and water conservation,” Sharma added.

Public relations officer, Surujdeo Mangaroo, said the Council provides opportunities to hundreds of youth performers throughout the eight nights.

“We have three competitions including the Coca Cola Youth Champ as well as the national dance competition and the Miss Divali Nagar pageant,” he said. The chief guest for this year’s Nagar is Guyana parliamentarian, Dr Vindhya Vahini Persaud, who is also president of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha