Divali Nagar adjusts hours because of Curfew; PM Kamla to be chief guest

PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar serenaded at Divali Nagar 2010. She will be chief guest for 2011 and deliver the feature address at the formal opening on October 16

The President of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) announced on Monday that the hours for the 2011 Divali Nagar celebration will be adjusted to allow everyone to get home before the start of the 11 pm curfew.

Deokienanan Sharma said the hours will be from 5.30 pm to 9. The week of events begins on October 16 and end on October 25, the day before Divali.

Sharma also said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar would be the NCIC’s chief guest and would deliver the feature address at the formal opening of Divali Nagar 2011. Foreign Affairs and Communications Minister dr Surujrattan Rambachan was the chief guest last year.

The theme for 2011 is "Lord Rama, His Life and Time". the event will feature highlights of Lord Rama's life and readings from the Ramayan.

Sharma said Divali Nagar will feature more than 100 booths would reflect the many facets of the Indian diaspora, including clothing, jewelry, cuisine and home furnishings.