Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 08/Oct 05:10

Divali Nagar 2025 emphasises collective welfare, social harmony

BAVINA SOOKDEO Once again, the country will witness the National Council of Indian Culture’s Divali Nagar to be held at the Divali Nagar compound on Narsaloo Ramaya Marg, Endeavour, Chaguanas. Hosted from October 11-19, the 38th annual Divali Nagar, will carry the theme Loka Sangraha – Welfare of the World. According to the council’s newly installed president, Surujdeo Mangaroo who has been involved in the NCIC since 1998, this year’s theme was chosen to highlight the universal values of Hindu philosophy and its relevance to contemporary society. “The concept, rooted in the Bhagavad Gita (a Hindu text), emphasises collective welfare, social harmony and the responsibility of individuals to act for the greater good rather than for personal gain,” Mangaroo explained. [caption id="attachment_1183084" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The 38th annual Divali Nagar will carry the theme Loka Sangraha – Welfare of the World and runs from October 11-19. -[/caption] Questioned on his vision as the new president, Mangaroo said, his focus in the short-term is on Divali Nagar. “My vision is to make this year’s celebration not only a cultural showcase but also a platform for unity, service and global responsibility. “With the theme Loka Sangraha – the welfare of the world – we are reminded that Divali is more than a festival of lights; it is a call to action for each of us to bring light into the lives of others.” Mangaroo shared that this year’s Divali Nagar promises an exciting mix of cultural performances, education and family-friendly activities – all centred around togetherness and growth. Over 150 food and commercial booths will transform the NCIC compound. [caption id="attachment_1183082" align="alignnone" width="1024"] First Citizens Dragon Boys Tassa Group will perform on the opening night of Divali Nagar, October 11. -[/caption] Breaking from tradition, this year’s programme will feature no competitions, but instead will introduce two new showcase nights – A Night of Emerging Superstars and A Night of Dance – to spotlight rising vocalists and dancers. “We want to give upcoming talents a grand stage,” said Mangaroo. Visitors can also expect an educational thematic exhibition and the Yuva Manch (formerly Folk Theatre), as well as additional time of stage programming with all aspects of songs, music and dance. The festival will end on a high note, featuring audience participation and a special midnight countdown to usher in Divali day. [caption id="attachment_1183085" align="alignnone" width="871"] NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo -[/caption] Mangaroo said the NCIC has engaged both the TTPS and a private security provider for parking/traffic arrangements and security for the event,. “We have met with both parties and have discussed ways and means to improve the flow of traffic.” He pointed out that traffic flow into both the north and main car parks will be one way in and one out, ensuring a smooth flow.” Although sponsorship has been slower this year, Mangaroo remains optimistic. “The heart of Divali Nagar has always been community,” he said. “Even when funding is tight, our commitment to culture, service and the welfare of others remains steadfast.” He extended an invitation to all – “Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of our traditions, the wisdom of our heritage, and the joy of our shared humanity. May Divali Nagar 2025 inspire us all to live with compassion, to act with purpose, and to contribute to the welfare of the world.” [caption id="attachment_1183083" align="alignnone" width="683"] Joshua Regrello will perform at Divali Nagar on October 19 -[/caption] President Christine Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson are also among the guests scheduled to deliver messages throughout the nine nights. [caption id="attachment_1183081" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Members of the Shiva Gana organistion perform Lakshmi arti at the start of the Divali Nagar celebrations on Ocotber 24, 2024. -[/caption] The first Divali Nagar was held in 1986 under the leadership of the late Hansley Hanoomansingh. Today, it has evolved as a global cultural showcase and Mangaroo pointed out that the event continues to embody the NCIC’s enduring mission – to preserve, promote and share the brilliance of Indo-TT culture with the world. The theme for Divali Nagar 2026 will be announced on the final night of this year’s celebrations. Admission is free. Programme begins at 7 pm nightly. The programme for Divali Nagar is as follows: October 11 - opening night Pandit Abhedanand Persad Sharma Kaveesh Maharaj Apsara Dance Company Sabri Seepersad (Solo) Avocat Vedic School First Citizens Dragon Boys Tassa Group ISHA Organisation Sana Ragbir Ag Group Deputy CEO (Business Generation) Minister of Culture & Community Development-Hon Michelle Benjamin MP Chief guest - Davendranath Tancoo, MP, Minister of Finance October 12 Charlie Beena Sangeet - (Roshni Hosein, Dev Sarran, Surendra Ramoutar, Saraswati Maharaj) Satrupa Sesnarayan Amritam Shakti Dance Company Harripersad and Sons Nritya Sangam Dance Company Charanjeet Ramsuchit and Yogeshi Maharaj Cross Fire Tassa Group October 13 Address by Chaguanas Mayor Faaiq Mohammed Kishan Kumarsingh (Head-Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit) Kamaldai Nisha Ramkissoon Pandit Artma Maharaj and Group Rakesh Yankaran Radha Krishna Dancers Nitya Aradhana Dance Group October 14 - Night of Diplomats Ambikha Bhim (Dance) Kimlyn Boodram Chandra Katwaroo Sunanda Mohip (pannist) Sargam International Orchestra Dr Kamla Dhyani (MGICC/vocals) Deepa Bhatt (MGICC/dance) Susan Mohip Dance Company October 15 Shiv Sangeet School of Music Shivanand Maharaj Anjeli Rajkumar Narendra Maharaj (basuri/saxophone) Sherese Khan (violin) Sitar Recital - Bhushan Parmanand Satyam’s Dance Academy SK Dance Academy Ramesh Basdeo Shivanand Basdeo Chatak Shooting Stars Tassa Group October 16 Arkash Carl and Sheetal Carl Nishard Mayhroo Sweet Tassa Academy Bollywood Dance Company Shaheed Ali and Hayley Paisadee Devashish Ramdath October 17 - Night of Emerging Superstars T&TEC Gayatones Vedanand Hargobin, President UWI Guild Dr Neil Colin Gosine, Chaguanas West MP & Minister Kaylynn Samaroo Mia Beepath Future Legends Music Academy Aykeel Ali Vinu Gunness Sangeeta Ragoobar-Rampersad Abhijit Anchortassoo Vishal Surujdeo Sachin Boodram Sangeeta Harrypersad Brandon Akash Maraj Waterloo High School Tassa October 18 - Night of Dance Victoria Amrita Maharaj Lornetta Ramlal-Jan Rukminee Beepath Suryamika Dance Group Matilda Mandir Dance Group Zina’s Creative Dance Academy Krishna Kala Dance Academy Simone’s Dance Company Amritam Shakti Juinor Dancers Durga Sangam Dance Company Satyam Shivam Dancers Tridevi Dance Company October 19 – final night RG the Band - (Nadia Madoo, Neeshad Sultan, Divya Gocool, Salisha Heera, Katelyn Sultan, Nisha Ramrachan (New York), Radha Renuka Mahabir, Arianna Thackurdeen) Cyntra Sookhoo Sabri Seepersad (solo presentation with drums) Kiss Natraj Dance Company Joshua Regrello Veejai Ramkissoon (classical/ghazal) Khalnayak Academy of Dance Republic Bank Extraordinaires Tassa Drummers Nisha Baksh-Lutchmedial Rooplal Girdharie Special feature - Midnight countdown to Divali day.   The post Divali Nagar 2025 emphasises collective welfare, social harmony appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.