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Guyana’s first Diwali Nagar kicks off
The aroma of a variety of Indian dishes filled the air and drew curious onlookers into the City 
Centre Store on Water Street, Georgetown yesterday as the country’s first Diwali Nagar was launched.
According to Alisha Singh, the scent of the Ashoka Foods, that were available for tasting, was what lured her into the store, after which she said, she was mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery.
“It was like India in Guyana. There was a variety of different items such as ornaments and jewelry displayed at different booths.
There were also lights, furniture and a whole lot of other things,” a smiling Singh related.
She added that she went into the store to “satisfy” her nose but was shocked at what she saw.
“It was just lovely. I went in there to see what smelled so good and I was left surprised with the beautiful display… I didn’t even know something was going on at the back of that store,” the woman said.
Asked to describe the food, Singh was speechless. “I don’t know what to say. There was a display of different vegetarian dishes that had a unique taste. I would say that the flavours are just the perfect average.”
Ashoka ready-to-eat food is made in India and can be found in several countries. Its range includes curries (heat and eat), frozen foods, pickles, condiment pastes, mango slices, chutneys and microwaveable rice.
Diwali Nagar means a city of lights. It is an exposition of Hindu culture that is associated with the celebration of Diwali.
The exposition will be held until October 30 at City Centre located at Lot 17 Water Street, Georgetown.
The event began with the significant lighting of the first diya by First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar after which curious onlookers were allowed to tour through “little India.”
Organizer of the Nagar, Pradeep Samtani said that everything relating to Diwali can be found in the various booths at that location ranging from diyas to furniture that were handmade in India.
There was one piece of item that surprised many, according to Samtani; it is called the “magic box.”
He explained that before padlocks were invented, the Indians hid their valuables in a mysterious jewelry box.
Kaieteur News was told that “the box has a small piece of wood at the side. Once the wood is pulled out from the side of the box, the box cannot be opened. So basically the piece of wood is a key that fits right into the box.”
“For now, the concept is Diwali, so what we are doing here is displaying the culture of Diwali and Hinduism this time…we are trying to sell everything connected to Diwali here,” the organizer explained.
He related that after the Diwali holiday is over, the area will be converted into a Christmas Village with a variety of items on display. He said that there will also be surprises for children.
Obviously impressed by the event, Mrs. Ramotar thanked Mr. Samtani for putting together such a wonderful event. She encouraged persons to visit the Nagar and have a blast.
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