A two-year-old sat still in a Diwali float display, taking her role seriously enough to catch the eye of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha President Dr Vindhya Persaud. She was among the young participants who helped bring Thursday evening’s Essequibo Coast Diwali motorcade to life through illuminated displays, music and dance.

Hundreds of residents turned out for the annual procession, which began at the Affiance Bus Shed and ended at the Anna Regina Car Park. Mandirs, schools and community groups took part, with Abram Zuil Secondary School placing second in the small float category.

The celebration, organised by the Sabha’s Essequibo Coast Praant, featured elaborately decorated floats depicting Hindu traditions and the significance of Diwali. Through the displays and performances of traditional music, song and dance, children and teenagers had a chance to help share the customs they are learning.

“I was simply dazzled by what I saw. It amazes me to see even a two-year-old sitting so still in one of the displays and taking her role very seriously. It says a lot about the attention, commitment and preparation that went into what we witnessed this evening,” Persaud told the gathering.

Persaud, who is also Minister of Human Services and Social Security, recognised the role of parents and teachers in helping children understand and appreciate Hindu traditions. She said learning about those customs and taking part in celebrations help keep Guyana’s cultural heritage alive.

She called for continued investment in opportunities for young people to learn, practise and express their culture, saying each generation has a part to play in carrying those traditions forward.

Judges assessed the floats on illumination, originality, creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, overall appearance, choice of music and punctuality.

Golden Fleece Mandir won the large float category, followed by West Demerara Mandir in second and Queenstown Mandir in third. Anna Regina Mandir placed fourth and Hibernia Mandir fifth.

Spring Garden Bhuvaneshwar Mandir won the small float category, ahead of Abram Zuil Secondary School. Better Success Mandir placed third and Bounty Hall Mandir fourth.

In her Diwali greetings to families across Region Two, Persaud spoke of gratitude, patience and hope, and encouraged residents to nurture their inner light as they lit their deyas.