IAC hosts 2010 Mela at National Park

May 03, 2010 News

The blur of bright colours, the sound of rhythmic beats and the aromas of ‘seven curry’ drew the senses last evening as the Indian Arrival Committee staged their annual IAC Mela at the National Park. Guyanese from every walk of life turned out to see the show that the IAC had prepared, to sample the East Indian cuisines sold in booths by a number of community Mandirs and to perhaps pick up a pretty trinket or two.
In annual commemoration of Indian Arrival Day, the IAC organises a medley of entertainment and offerings that highlight the unique aspects of East Indian culture and history that became a part of Guyanese history and culture when East Indians were brought across the oceans as indentured labourers.

One of the dance troupes before their performance

Lithe young women twirling in their assortment of colours and finery as they delighted the audience with their dance moves to both contemporary and classical Indian music drew the eye repeatedly to the stage as performance after performance was completed. Stalls surrounded the tarmac where one could buy any number of Indian themed items. There were earrings and bangles, bracelets and anklets, Henna/Mehendi tattoos and Bindis in designs and colours that parted many young ladies from their money while others strolled about the grounds decked out in their shalwars, saris and ghararas.
The various Mandirs sold ‘seven curry’ in boxes with spoons for the timid and in leaves for those who weren’t afraid to dig in with their fingers in true Indian style.
For desert, sweetmeats in all varieties abounded.
There was also emphasis on the history behind the event as well as the promotion of awareness of certain social issues. The Eastern entrance to the National Park Tarmac was a photo exhibition that gave visitors a look at the events of the Indian Indentureship movement. There was even a model of the ships used to transport the labourers to the country’s shores. In the ground there were stalls with books on Indian history, culture and religion. There was also a booth especially dedicated to provide information and literature on the issue of violence against women and children.
Neaz Subhan, an executive member of the IAC pointed out that the intent of the event and the organisation was to keep the East Indian culture alive in Guyana and to preserve something of those times for their children. He hoped that the prohibition of alcohol and gambling would promote a safer, healthier atmosphere and would ensure that everyone had an enjoyable night. He also pointed out that one new addition to the list of events for the mela was a tassa drumming competition featuring some nine or ten groups that would vie for the win at a later point in the programme. This addition he pointed out was also part of the effort to ensure that this Indian tradition could be preserved through the years and handed down to their children as well.
(Crystal Conway)

2 thoughts on “IAC hosts 2010 Mela at National Park”

alisha80000 November 22, 2011 at 8:55 pm

I LIKE THIS BECAUSE IT HAVE SO MUCH HISTORY AND OH MY GOSH WHAT DID I JUST SAID i just now dont like it but dont hurt no one feeling so please like this stupid thing my name is alisha ramsawak from standad 3 b and i go to vistabella presbytirian primary school so do enjoy your night and have a nice time were ever you are and whatever you are doing.goood blees you and you are the best
alisha80000 November 22, 2011 at 8:57 pm

have a nice night and god bless you