What’s happening for Diwali
Hindus, cultural enthusiasts will be highly entertained this month with several fun activities that will be held in St. Maarten for the Hindu Festival of Lights – Diwali, which will be observed on Wednesday, November 11. Here’s a sneak peek into what will be happening in the coming days.
November 7
Children’s Night
The first event will be a Children’s Night at Sonesta Maho Casino Royale Theatre, at 8:00pm. Coordinated by the Indian Merchants Association headed by President Damu Rawtani, the event will feature an entire production with the theme completely focused on the innocence of childhood. Patrons will be treated to traditional Indian dances and songs. The production is expected to be top-of-the-line as it has been choreographed in its entirety by a professional from New York. An estimated 500 adults and children can be accommodated at the venue, so you can go with the entire family for a night of pure entertainment. Tickets cost US $45 for adults and $25 for children under 12 and are available at Affordable Store on Back Street, Value Jewellers on Front Street and Beds and Beyond on Bush Road.
‘Diwali Nite’ Show
The second event will be the annual Diwali Nite show at Belair Community Centre. Coordinated by St. Maarten Hindu Organisation, the show will feature dancing, singing, skits and poetry associated with Diwali. Coordinators promise to give attendees a glimpse into the Indian and Caribbean culture passed down for generations. Tickets cost US $15 and are available from organisation board members by calling 553-8138 or by visiting Sun Insurance/Best Advice in the Sun Building in Cole Bay (across from Tropicana Casino). Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be on sale.
November 14
Grand Diwali Ball
The curtains will close on the public Diwali celebrations with the annual Grand Diwali Ball at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino’s Maho Room at 8:30pm. Walk with your appetite for humour as Indian comedian Umesh Pherwani from Mumbai, India, will be in the house to tickle the funny bones of patrons. Pherwani has dabbled in film making, acting, modelling, writing and once worked as a flight attendant. He is winner of the 2003 Grasim Mr. India Mr. Popular Award, having been selected from amongst some 30,000 applicants all over India. Deejays and singers The Vyas Brothers will also be on hand to entertain. Tickets cost US $125 per person and are available at the Indian Merchants Association at 520-1729. Some 300 adults can be accommodated at the Diwali Ball so get your tickets early.
