Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC) is proud to announce the publication of its latest Divali souvenir magazine. Divali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, was observed as a national holiday on Friday November 5, 2010.

The theme of this year’s edition of the magazine is “Hindu sects in Trinidad.” According to the 1990 official census data, Hindus in Trinidad form the second largest religious group in the country, after Roman Catholics. Roman Catholics comprise 29% of the population, Hindus 24%, Anglicans 11%, Muslims 6% and Presbyterians 3%. In a population of over one million, approximately 238,000 persons are Hindus.

Hinduism remains one of the oldest living religions in Trinidad and the wider world. Christians are divided into sects such as Catholicism, Anglicanism, Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism. Hindus are also separated into various sects. Traditionally, they have been branched into four main denominations: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and Smartism.

In Trinidad, Hindus can be further categorised conveniently into sects such as Sanatanist, Arya Samaj, Kabir Panth, Sikh, Shivnarine/Sieunarine, Lord Murugan, Mother Kali, Hare Krishna, Sai Baba, Ganapathi Sachchidananda, Radha Madav, Chinmaya Mission and the Divine Life Society. It is not a simple task to categorise Hindus since they are often open and versatile in their beliefs, practices and affiliations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• About Divali in Trinidad and Tobago
• Hindu sects in Trinidad and Tobago – Editorial
• Greetings from the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago – The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar
• Greetings from Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism – The Honourable Winston Peters
• Greetings from the High Commissioner of India – Mr. Malay Mishra
• Sanatanist sect – How Hinduism differs from Christianity
• Sanatanist sect – The Hindu sacred texts
• Sanatanist sect - Hindu philosophies, beliefs and practices
• Sanatanist sect – The caste system and conversion
• Arya Samaj sect – Its founder and the Trinidad missionaries
• Arya Samaj sect – Local organisations, celebrations and ceremonies
• Arya Samaj sect – Its primary schools and contribution to local Hinduism
• Kabir Panth sect – Its founder and his poems and songs
• Kabir Panth sect – Its local organizations, schools and temples
• Kabir Panth sect – Its main prayer ceremony and its rituals
• Sai Baba sect – Its founder and his followers
• Sai Baba sect – Its philosophy, ceremonies and rituals
• Sai Baba sect – Its centres and their charitable activities
• Swami Ganapathi sect – Its founder and his philosophy
• Swami Ganapathi sect – Its sacred river, temple, school and medical clinic
• Swami Ganapathi sect – Its publications, seminars, orchestra and music therapy
• Mother Kali sect – Its priests and their healing practices
• Mother Kali sect – Its priests who spiritually elevate in trance
• Chinmaya Mission sect – Its founder and his local missionary Swami
• Chinmaya Mission sect – Its temple complex and schools
• Chinmaya Mission sect – Its classes in Vedanta, Sanskrit, yoga, music, etc.
• Sikh sect – Its founder, scriptures and local temples
• Sikh sect – Its practices in the temple
• Sikh sect – Items of clothing for the baptised
• Hare Krishna sect – Its founder and the movement worldwide
• Hare Krishna sect – Its scriptures, main mantra and songs
• Hare Krishna sect – Its local temples, festivals and conversion activities
• Radha Madhav sect – Its founder, his missionaries and their visit to Trinidad
• Radha Madhav sect – Its charitable and humanitarian work
• Radha Madhav sect – Its celebrations, congregations and local centres
• Divine Life sect – Its founder, local Swami and its centres
• Divine Life sect – Its significant contributions to local Hinduism
• Lord Murugan sect - Its main deity and proposed temple
• Lord Murugan sect - Its ceremonies, symbols and rituals
• Shivnarine/Sieunarine sect – Its founder and its main scripture and ceremony
• Shivnarine/Sieunarine sect - Its local priests and its practices

October-November 2010. 11 x 8 ½ inches. ISSN 1683-5026
Glossy pages and cover.
80 pages with advertisements and articles.
Available through mail service ONLY.

TT$40 (includes handling, registration and local postage)
US$15 (includes handling, registration and foreign postage)

Make check or money order payable to Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council.

The theme of this year’s edition of the magazine is “Glimpses of indentureship: Traditional culture and agriculture in Kernahan Village in Nariva.” Kernahan is located off the Manzanilla Road near Mayaro. It is estimated that there are approximately 60 households in the isolated village that is almost exclusively populated by people of East Indian descent. The villagers were predominantly Hindus, but the majority of them have converted to the Pentecostal faith. There are now two churches and one Hindu-based Sai Baba Centre. Most of the inhabitants catch conch and cascadura and cultivate short-term cash crops such as watermelons for their livelihood. While there is a community centre and a kindergarten, the area is not served by a public school. Electricity was introduced in 2000, but the area is yet to be served with pipe borne-water. The quality of life and living conditions have improved considerably in Kernahan since the first settlers came mainly from Penal in the 1960s.

June 2010. 11 x 8½ inches. ISSN 1683-4143
Glossy pages and cover.
72 pages with advertisements and articles.
Available through mail service ONLY.

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US$15 (includes handling, registration and foreign postage)

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Paintings on Hinduism in Trinidad and Tobago

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC) wishes to announce the publication of its latest Divali magazine in 2009. The theme of this edition of its annual souvenir magazine is “Paintings on Hinduism in Trinidad and Tobago.”

The magazine represents a collection of 34 pieces by aspiring artists, students and professionals in the country. Fifty percent (50%) of the paintings were done by children and 50% by adults. Seventy-six percent (76%) of the artists appear to be Indians and 24% seem to be non-Indians, based on an analysis of their surnames. Fifty-three percent (53%) bear Hindi surnames, 24% carry English/Other surnames, and 23% of them have Arabic last names.

The collection of paintings in magazine format can mirror a display of visual art images in a public gallery exhibition. However, a magazine carries the advantage of allowing one to view the images at one’s own private place, time and convenience. Indeed, it brings the conventional city art gallery – frequented by the elite in society – to the private living room of the common folk. Like a photographic album, a magazine can be kept as a collector’s item for future reference, study, review and enjoyment. This magazine has the added value of including an art critique of each painting, which makes it relevant to any discourse on contemporary culture and ethnic identity. The “reading” of each painting highlights the visual creativity of our local artists and the appreciation of Hindu/Indian aesthetics in the Caribbean.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• About Divali in Trinidad & Tobago
• Paintings on Hinduism in Trinidad & Tobago – Editorial
• Greetings from the Minister of Community Development, Culture & Gender Affairs -
• The Honourable Marlene Mc Donald
• Greetings from the High Commissioner of India -
• Mr. Malay Mishra
• Caroni Dreams by Robert Mackie
• Waterloo Temple by Wulf Gerstenmaier
• The Dancer as Storyteller by Anthony Butts
• A Mysterious World by Parmanan Singh
• Framing a Hindu Wedding by Sara Nesa Muslim
• The Nature of Divine Love by Sanjana Mathur
• Journey of a Thousand Deyas by Mauricia Tricia Lewis
• The Golden Deer by Richard Abiraj
• The Marriage Ceremony by Anashia Ali
• A Display of Celebration by Leeandra Phulsingh
• The Sadhu on his Mat by Akash Mahabir
• Lord of Time by Kajal Shivani Madho
• Divine Death by Amir Fadel
• The Festival of Colours by Kumar Mahabir
• Sailing through the Journey of Life by Mahindra Maharaj
• Sacred Stone of Fertility by Gabriella Panchoo
• Fathers Meet at a Wedding by David Subran
• Turning into a Stone by Kriston Ramkissoon
• Light Blossoms into a Lotus by Samantha Rochard
• Visions of Light by Sarah Andrew
• Three Gods and Three Humans by Vishana Gajadhar
• Duhkh [Sorrow] by Prabhudath Singh
• Mother-in-law’s Embrace by Rose-Ann Ramkumar
• Touching the Feet by Adil Mohammed
• The Breaking of the Bow by Renny Radhay
• Figure and Flower by Marissa Ramdeen
• Leap of Faith by Jenelle Hosein
• Goddess on the Lotus by Rasheed Ali
• The Golden Jubilee by Dolly Tewarie
• Lord Ganesh in Cartoon by Dana Rambaran
• The Fantasy of Divali at Dusk by Peter Sheppard
• A Vision of Lakshmi by Ingrid Nardia Rambocas
• The Heart of Devotion by Asha Sookdeo
• Beyond the Line by Vishnu Deo
• The Fruit of the Sun by Brian Lalla

November 2009. 11 x 8 ½ inches. ISSN 1683-5026
Glossy pages and cover.
72 pages with advertisements and articles.
Available through mail service ONLY.

TT$40 (includes handling, registration and local postage)
US$15 (includes handling, registration and foreign postage)

Make check or money order payable to Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council.

Indian-Arrival-2009

A pictorial survey of books on indentureship in the Caribbean

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC) is proud to announce the publication of its latest magazine commemorating Indian Heritage Month (May 2009) in Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean). The theme of the magazine which marks the arrival of East Indians/South Asians from India to Trinidad during indentureship (1845-1917) is “A pictorial survey of books on indentureship in the Caribbean.”

This glossy magazine in full colour highlights the first book on the subject that was written by Joseph Beaumont and published in 1871. It is entitled The New Slavery: An Account of the Indian and Chinese Immigrants in British Guiana. About 80 years later, the second non-fiction book was written by Dwarka Nath and published in 1950, entitled A History of Indians in British Guiana. Since then about 83 books have been published on the subject, mainly by Indians in the Diaspora, some of them being women. Eight of these are works of fiction.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• About Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago
• Editorial: A pictorial survey of books on indentureship in the Caribbean.
• Greetings from the Minister of Community Development, Culture & Gender Affairs, The Honourable Marlene Mc Donald
• Greetings from the High Commissioner of India, Mr. Malay Mishra
• A Question of Labour: Indentured Immigration into Trinidad and British Guiana 1875-1917 by K.O. Laurence
• Autobiography of an Indian Indentured Labourer: Munshi Rahman Khan (1874-1972) by Jeevan Prakash. Book Review by Victor Van Bijlert
• Benevolent Neutrality: Indian Government Policy and Labour Migration to British Guiana 1854-1884 by Basdeo Mangru
• Bechu: ‘Bound Coolie’ Radical in British Guiana 1894 – 1901 by Clem Seecharan
• A History of East Indian Resistance on the Guyana Sugar Estates: 1869-1948 by Basdeo Mangru
• From Caste to Class: The Social Mobility of the Indo-Trinidadian Community, 1870-1917 by E.B. Rosabelle Seesaran
• Centenary Celebration of the Arrival of Indians to British Guiana (1838-1938): The British Guiana East Indian Association (BGEIA) Introductory essay by Baytoram Ramharack
• East Indians in the Caribbean: An Illustrated History by Florence Pariag
• Immigrant #99840 and Canecutter #7074: The Story of an East Indian Family in Guyana by Lal Balkaran
• Transients to Settlers: The Experience of Indians in Jamaica, 1845-1950 by Verene Shepherd
• Indentured Indians by Suresh Pillai
  
• The Encyclopedia of the Indian Diaspora General Editor Brij V. Lal
• Maharani’s Misery: Narratives of a Passage from India to the Caribbean by Verene Shepherd
• Indians in Guyana: A concise history from their arrival to the present by Basdeo Mangru
• Indo-Caribbean Indenture: Resistance and Accommodation, 1838-1920 by Lomarsh Roopnarine
• La Guadeloupe Et Son Indianite (The Indians of Guadeloupe) by Ernest Moutoussamy
• Home Away From Home: 150 Years of Indian Presence in Jamaica 1845-1995 by Laxmi & Ajai Mansingh
• A New System of Slavery: The Export of Indian Labour Overseas 1830-1920 by Hugh Tinker
• Global Indian Diaspora: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Edited by Jagat K. Motwani, Mahin Gosine & Jyoti Barot-Motwani
• The Settlement of Indians in Guyana 1890-1930 by Dale Bisnauth
• India in the Caribbean Edited by David Dabydeen & Brinsley Samaroo
• Origins and Development of Racial Ideology in Trinidad: The Black View of the East Indian by Dennison Moore
• The Indian and Indo-Guyanese Diaspora: A British Default by Arnold R. Girdharry
• Freedom, Festivals and Caste in Trinidad after Slavery: A Society in Transition by Neil A. Sookdeo
• Tikasingh’s Wedding by Wilfred D. Best
• Chalo Chinidad – Let’s Go Trinidad: A Historical Novel by Jang B. Bhagirathee
• The Legacy of Indian Indenture: 150 Years of East Indians in Trinidad by Mahin Gosine with Dipak Malik and Kumar Mahabir
• Rama’s Voyage – A Novel by Ron Ramdin
• The Still Cry: Personal Accounts of East Indians in Trinidad and Tobago during Indentureship (1845-1917) by Noor Kumar Mahabir
• The Other Middle Passage: Journal of a Voyage from Calcutta to Trinidad, 1858 by Ron Ramdin
• Jahajin – A Novel by Peggy Mohan
• Calcutta to Caroni: The East Indians of Trinidad. Studies edited by John La Guerre
• India and the Shaping of the Indo-Guyanese Imagination 1890s – 1920s by Clem Seecharan

May-June 2009
11 x 8 ½ inches. Glossy pages and cover.
ISSN 1683-4143
72 pages with advertisements and articles.
Available through mail service ONLY.

TT$40 (includes handling, registration and local postage),
US$15 (includes handling, registration and foreign postage).
Make check or money order payable to Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council.

Education in Hindu Schools in Trinidad and Tobago

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC) wishes to announce the publication of its latest Divali magazine in 2008. The theme of this edition of its annual souvenir magazine is “Education in Hindu Schools in Trinidad and Tobago.”

There are a total of 542 primary schools in Trinidad and Tobago comprising of 54 Government-assisted Hindu primary schools. These Hindu schools consist of 43 schools managed by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS), nine by the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha (APS/Vedic), and two by the Kabir Panth Association (KPA). There are also eight Hindu Secondary Schools in the country administered by the SDMS, SWAHA and Chinmaya Mission. There are also scores of Hindu Early Childhood Care and Education Centers.

Today, these schools are a source of pride to Hindus. The results of the SEA examination in 2008 reveal that among denominational institutions, Hindu schools performed the second best after Muslim schools. They also attained the same level of excellence as private primary schools. Hindu schools comprise just 10% of all primary schools in the country, but secured 22% of the schools that made it to the top 100 places in the SEA examination.

Once again, Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College occupied pride of place among prestigious secondary schools in Trinidad. It secured an impressive 15 National Scholarships in the 2008 CAPE/GCE A’ Level Examinations. Lakshmi Girls’ is now ranked third in performance in A’ Levels among all seven-year schools in North Trinidad. Shiva Boys’ Hindu College in Penal made history by winning two National (Open) Scholarships. The Maha Sabha-managed Hindu college won these awards for the first time with its first batch of A’ Level graduates.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• About Divali in Trinidad and Tobago
• Education in Hindu Schools in Trinidad and Tobago: Editorial
• Greetings from Prime Minister: The Honourable Patrick Manning
• Greetings from the Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs: The Honourable Marlene Mc Donald
• Names of students among the top 100 in the 2008 SEA exam
• Map showing all Hindu schools in Trinidad and Tobago
• Graph showing number of students from all types of schools among the top 100 in the 2008 SEA examination
• Graph showing percentage of school-types represented among the top 100 in the 2008 SEA examination
• Graph showing number is scholarships won by schools in the 2008 CAPE/GCE A’ Level examinations
• Aranguez Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Producers of a DVD highlighting its achievements
• Arima Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: A school with an exceptional history
• Clarke Road Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: A school that produced an Open Scholarship winner
• Don Miguel Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Nurturing a culture of excellence
• El Dorado South Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Tanuja Maharaj emerged 2nd place in 2008 SEA exam
• El Socorro Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Professor Ramesh Deosaran was once a teacher here
• Endeavour Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: A school whose motto is “Work in worship”
• Felicity Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Champion of the Inter-Mobile Spelling Bee 2008 competition
• Five Rivers Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Restoring the school to its original prestige
• Freeport Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Excellence in National Spelling Bee Competition and SEA top 100
• Happy Hill Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Champions in Classical Singing
• Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu (SDMS) College: 15 National Scholarships in 2008 CAPE/A’ Level Examinations
• Mc Bean Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Winners in Chowtal, Science, Spelling, Sports and Art and Craft
• Mohess Road Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: With library, science, computer and pre-school facilities
• Parvati Girls’ Hindu (SDMS) College: The alma matar of two National Open Scholarship winners
• San Francique Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Producing an astonishing number of top students
• Saraswati Girls’ Hindu (SDMS) College: Represented Trinidad and Tobago in a Caribbean Quizz
• Shiva Boys’ Hindu (SDMS) College: Two National Scholarships in its first CAPE/ A’ Level Examinations
• Tunapuna Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: RBTT Primary Schools’ Boys and Girls Cricket Champions
• Vishnu Boys’ Hindu (SDMS) College: A strong academic competitor to Presentation College
• Waterloo Hindu (SDMS) Primary School: Winners in the National Spelling Bee Competition
• Avocat Vedic (APS) Primary School: Third place in the Inter-Mobile Spelling Bee 2008 Competition
• Barrackpore Vedic Primary School: First place winner in World Environmental Day competition
• Bholanath Vedic (APS) Primary School: A pioneer school with a distinguished past
• Dayanand Memorial Vedic (APS) Primary School: Providing academic excellence with moral ethics
• Gandhi Memorial Vedic (APS) Primary School: Ajay of Gandhi Memorial claimed first place in the SEA exam
• Montrose Vedic (APS) Primary School: 14 students in the SEA top 100 in five years
• Agostini Settlement KPA Primary School: Occupying pride of place in the SEA top 200
• Siparia Road KPA Primary School: Qualifiers in the Spelling Bee Competition and Trade Union Quizz
• SWAHA Educational Institute: Secular education in a temple near UWI
• SWAHA Hindu College: Emerging to be the best secondary school in the North-Eastern Division
• Chinmaya Mission School: The first school of its kind outside of India
• Saraswati – The Hindu Goddess of Learning: The book in her hand symbolizes the totality of knowledge
• Bhadase Sagan Maraj (1920-1971): A phenomenal contribution to school building

October-November 200811 x 8 ½ inches.
Glossy pages and cover.
ISSN 1683-5026
88 pages with advertisements and articles.
Available through mail service ONLY.

TT$40 (includes handling, registration and local postage),
US$15 (includes handling, registration and foreign postage).
Make check or money order payable to Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council.

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC) is proud to announce the publication of its latest magazine commemorating Indian Heritage Month (May 2008) in Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean). The theme of the magazine which marks the arrival of East Indians/South Asians from India to Trinidad during indentureship (1845-1917) is “Heritage Tourism: Indian heritage and sacred sites in Trinidad.”

This glossy magazine in full colour highlights significant places, built structures and land formations that Indians consider to be particularly historical or sacred to them in multi-ethnic Trinidad. These sites include three temples, three secular buildings, a mosque, a church, a cave, a rock, a volcano, a river, a beach, a massacre site, a cremation ground, and Nelson Island. Though these designated sites and architectural monuments bear special meaning to Indians, they exhibit outstanding values that are universal to all mankind. These sites have become popular destinations to local visitors and can be marketed to attract tourists.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• About Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago
• Editorial: Indian heritage and sacred sites in Trinidad
• Greetings from Prime Minister Patrick Manning
• The Light House in Port of Spain
• Nelson Island
• The mountain cave in Maracas
• The active volcano in Cedros
• The Shiva Mandir in Penal
• The Marianne River in Blanchisseuse
• Manzanilla beach on the east coast
• The Roman Church in Siparia
• The Jinnah Memorial Mosque in St. Joseph
• The Temple in the Sea in Waterloo
• The Hosay Massacre sites in San Fernando
• The Lion House in Chaguanas
• The Aripo River in the Northern Range
• The Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima
• The Triveni Mandir in Williamsville
• The Indian Caribbean Museum

May-June 2008
11 x 8 ½ inches. Glossy pages and cover.
ISSN 1683-4143
80 pages with advertisements and articles.

Available through mail service ONLY.
TT$40 (includes handling, registration and local postage),
US$15 (includes handling, registration and foreign postage).
Make check or money order payable to Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council.

Marriage is one of the most-important of the sixteen sanskars [sacraments] in the life of a Hindu. It is no wonder, therefore, that so many relatives, friends and well-wishers are invited to witness the ceremony. Deities are also invited to witness and bless the marriage. They are invoked by the presiding pandits through the chanting of verses in Sanskrit from the ancient Vedas. The marriage does not only establish a bond between two individuals but also between two families. It is an elaborate and lavish affair with numerous rites and rituals lasting three to four days. The main ceremony takes place at the bride’s place under a mandap or maro [canopy] beautifully decorated with electric bulbs, colourful fabrics and flower petals. Each step has its own function and significance.

Table of Contents

• Steps of the Hindu Marriage Ceremony [Editorial]
• Greetings from his the High Commissioner of India
• By His Excellency Jagjit Singh Sapra
• Chey-Kai – The Engagement Ceremony
• Mehendi – The Dulahin’s Seductive Body Art
• Hardi Night – The Couple Prepares
• Maticoor – Ladies’ Night
• Baraat Milan/Agwani – A Father’s Welcome
• Kanya Daan – A Parents’ Farewell
• Parchay – A Mother’s Welcome
• Tilak/Dwar Puja – A Brother’s Welcome
• Imli Ghotaai/ Daal Sankalpa – A Mother’s Pain
• Peerha Sankalpa & Anga Sparsha – Rocking the Bench
• Kanya Daan – Giving Away a Bride
• Granthi Bandhana and Paaw Puja – Tying the Knot and Gift-Giving
• Lawa Hawan – The Dulahin as Head and Leader
• Lawa Bhawar – Around the Sacred Fire
• Asmarorhana – Stepping on the Stone
• Exchanging of Marriage Vows – The Requests of the Dulahin
• Exchanging of Marriage Vows – The Requests of the Dulaha
• Sindoor Daan – The Symbol of a Married Woman
• Taag Paat and Mungal Sutra Daan – The Dulahin’s Protectors
• Maalaaharr Patidhan and Mudrika Pratidaan – Exchanging of Malas and Rings
• Aashirvaad/Viserjan and Kitchree – The Dulaha’s Meal
• Surya Darshan, Dhruv Darshan and Hirdai Sparsh – Worshipping the Heart and Sun
• Saptapadi – The Seven Steps
• Darshan – The Dulahin’s Farewell
• Choraaway Kangan and Tri Ratri Vrat – The Yellow Strips of Cloth
• Unwritten Facts about the Hindu Wedding
• Unmentioned Facts about the Hindu Wedding
• Unknown Facts about the Hindu Wedding
• The Marriage of Lord Rama to Lord Sita 6,000 years ago in India

October-November 2007
11 x 8 ½ inches. Glossy pages and cover.
ISSN 1683-4143
96 pages with advertisements and articles.

Available through mail service ONLY.
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US$15 (includes handling, registration and foreign postage).
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Indian indentureship on cocoa, coconut and rubber plantations in Trinidad

It is not well known today that South Asian/East Indian immigrants were indentured on estates other than sugarcane plantations. When the price of sugar in the world market fell in the mid-1880s, cocoa, coconut and rubber became alternative crops cultivated for export. Cocoa surpassed sugar as the most valuable export crop in Trinidad during, and just after Indentureship, and Indians were at the forefront of this agricultural enterprise. Indians worked in cocoa estates in Diego Martin, Lopinot, Sangre Grande, Grand Couva, Oropouche, Siparia, Fyzabad and Avocat. In 1920, cocoa beans made up about 43 percent of the British colony’s total export.

From World War 1 (1914-1918) until 1921, copra [from coconut] prices rose rapidly and production doubled with the additional labour of Indians. They worked on coconut estates in Cocal and Ortoire along the Manzanilla-Mayaro Road, and Cedros and Icacos in the south-west peninsula of the island. A few hundred Indians were also indentured on rubber estates in Trinidad, and perhaps Guyana. As early as 1910, about 3000 acres of land were grown with Castilloa rubber mainly in Rio Claro. Later, the Para [Hevea Brasiliensis] variety was cultivated in Talparo, Ecclesville, Phoenix, Guayabe, Vessigny, Biche, Matura and Sangre Grande.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Indian indentureship on Cocoa, Rubber and Coconut Plantations: Editorial Dr Kumar Mahabir
• Greetings from the High Commissioner of India: His Excellency Jagit Singh Sapra
• Greetings from the High Commissioner of Britain: His Excellency Eric Jenkinson
• Indians absconded to work in cocoa plantations: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• Indians were the pioneers in this agricultural enterprise: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• The rate of squatting on Crown lands was increasing: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• Indians from the first immigrant ship were indentured in Lopinot: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• During indentureship some free Indians owned substantial cocoa holdings: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• Some free Indians signed a contract with large landowners: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• Cocoa farming grew to rival sugar cultivation in importance in the 1890s: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• Most small holders lived under their cocoa drying house: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• Indians established new, or bought existing cocoa estates: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• The fermentation process in the “sweat box” melts the pulp: Cocoa and Indian Indentured labourer
• Immigrants worked on coconut estates along the Manzanilla-Mayaro road and Coromandel and Icacos: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• People used the beach in Manzanilla at low tide as a pathway: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• Labourers also planted coconuts in nurseries on the estates: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• Indians climbed, picked, collected and transported coconuts in carts: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• Coconuts were chopped open for their thick dried kernel (copra): Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• Some poor Indian workers still live in barrack-type wooden cottages: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• Nazir Mohammed, 93, recounted his journey from India: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• Cows, bulls, bison and goats were not raised on coconut estates: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• In 1891 in Los Gallos three American ships were loading coconuts: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• In 1910, about 3000 acres of land were cultivated with Castilloa rubber mainly in Rio Claro: Coconut and Indian Indentured labourer
• Each tapper on Non Pareil estate was assigned two fields consisting of about 300 to 400 trees each: Rubber and Indian Indentured labourer
• Trinidad rubber is considered to be of the best quality in the world: Rubber and Indian Indentured labourer
• Seeds were originally imported from Brazil, through England, for propagation: Rubber and Indian Indentured labourer
• Indentured labourers lightly covered the seeds with soil: Rubber and Indian Indentured labourer
• The indentured worker carved incisions on the trunk of the rubber tree: Rubber and Indian Indentured labourer
• Indentured Indians were required to be in the fields before day-break: Rubber and Indian Indentured labourer
• Rubber plantations grew to be the ideal habitat for bees: Rubber and Indian Indentured labourer
• Poultry was reared by a few Indian workers living near Non Pariel rubber estate: Rubber and Indian Indentured labourer

May-June 2007
11 x 8 ½ inches. Glossy pages and cover.
ISSN 1683-4143
80 pages with advertisements and articles.
Available through mail service ONLY.

TT$40 (includes handling, registration and local postage),
US$15 (includes handling, registration and foreign postage).
Make check or money order payable to Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council.

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC) wishes to announce the publication of its latest magazine – Divali 2006, Trinidad and Tobago. The theme of this edition of its annual souvenir magazine is “The Splendour of Divali: Highlights of the Festival.”

Trinidad and Tobago, the famed island of Carnival, is the same country that gives the world its unique brand of Divali. Where else would non-Hindus and non-Indians actively take part in lighting over ten million deyas on an auspicious night? It is perhaps only in Trinidad that one can find split bamboo tubes transformed into magnificent works of art on which the deyas are placed. Strings of twinkling lights – clear and coloured – are also strung high on buildings, trees, and even across streets. Divali provides a perfect forum for showcasing the talent of both foreign and local performers in the field of Indian song, music, dance and drama. Divali also boasts of Ram Leela which is perhaps the oldest living form of free outdoor folk theatre in the Caribbean. The hub of all Divali celebrations in the island is the Divali Nagar in central Trinidad. The grand display of fireworks in the air at the Nagar is complemented by the thunder of bamboo cannons, the explosions of firecrackers, and the sparkle of “star-lights” in villages across the country.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• The Splendour of Divali: Highlights of the Festival [Editorial]
• Greetings from the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs By the Honourable Joan Yuille-Williams
• Greetings from his the High Commission of India By Excellency Jagjit Singh Sapra
• Lord Rama – the God King who walked the Earth: He became king of the solar race and reigned over Ayodhya
• The Drama of Ram Leela recounted by Derek Walcott: The annual performance of one of the greatest epics of the world
• Ramayana yagna [prayer service] in communities: The pundit [priest] sings parts of the world’s longest poem
• The open air theatre of Ram Leela:A play of unrivalled record in the Caribbean
• The Ramayana Ballet – a breathtaking three-hour drama: An epic condensed in an enjoyable three hour live stage performance
• The Ramayana Ballet – captivating lights and sound on a multistage: A production staged by one of India’s legendary choreographers
• A Ramayana Ballet in the middle of a bazaar: The story has enthralled millions of people for thousands of years
• Mother Lakshmi – Goddess of Wealth and Wisdom A radiant Goddess worshipped on the darkest night of the year
• Lakshmi Puja and enlightenment: Twinkling lamps light her path to the home of the devoted
• The fluttering of flags in celebration: Jhandi at the homes of Hindus is unique to the Caribbean
• Streamers, pennons, balloons and bulbs Divali heralds the joy of the end-of-year celebrations
• Shopping for vegetables: Sales of vegetables are at their highest
• Sweet delights for the tongue: Tons of sweetmeats are made and distributed free
• mehendi – the fine art of a temporary tattoo: The artistic touch of mehendi adds a sensual appeal
• The mehendi craze has caught up: The breathtaking body paint with fine detailing
• Shopping for clothes for a celebration: Women rule in the rush for new clothes
• Glitzy Divali greeting cards: From paper postcards to electronic greeting cards
• The potters’ art of making deyas: Handcrafted pottery with a divine touch
• Shopping for the best deyas: Over ten million clay lamps are bought every year
• deyas of clay, wax and brass: deyas now in colour and glitter in various shapes
• The sacred art of lighting deyas: Patterns of light glow against the night’s canvas
• Bamboo art with deya decorations: The craft of bamboo bending is perhaps uniquely Trinidadian
• Devotional songs and music for Divali: Bhajans have gained popularity in a language of the soul
• The diction of dance in devotion: The dancer turns himself into a medium of communication
• Indian trade fairs in Trinidad: A festival of wild spending on clothes and accessories
• East and West meet and mix in fashion: Every person in Indian ethnic wear becomes a model of elegance
• Indian fashion shows in the spotlight: A Divali Queen is crowned on that glorious night
• Divali Nagar – a celestial entertainment park: The second most popular entertainment centre in the country
• Bamboo “bussing” booms: Bamboo cannons burst with flares of fire
• Fireworks, firecrackers, rockets and sparklers: Visually stunning greens, blues and reds explode in style
• Indian movies on television: Classic tales of romance conflict and triumph
• The stage adaptation of Chalte Chalte: A new genre of theatre introduced in the Caribbean
• The movie-cum-play of Dilwale Dulhunia Le Jayenge Indian movie incarnates into a masala Trinidad play
• Plays about Indians in the Diaspora – Dilwale Dulhunia Le Jayenge Bollywood cinema blossoms on Trinidad stage

October 2006. 11 x 8 ½ inches. Glossy pages and cover.
88 pages with advertisements and articles.
ISSN 1683-5026

Available through mail service ONLY.
TT$40 (includes handling and local postage),
US$15 (includes handling and foreign postage).
Make check or money order payable to Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council.

Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council (ICC) is proud to announce the publication of its latest magazine commemorating Indian Heritage Month (May 2005) in Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean). The theme of the magazine which marks the arrival of East Indians/South Asians from India to Trinidad during indentureship (1845-1917) is Caribbean Indian actors in cinematic movies

The magazine presents still pictures from cinematic movies in which Indian actors and actresses have starred. It highlights Indians in movies made in the Caribbean, England and Hollywood from 1964 to the present time. The magazine begins with the young Basdeo Panday in three British-produced movies: Nine Hours to Rama (1963), Man in the Middle (1964), and The Brigand of Kandahar (1965). It also captures shots of Ralph Maraj in The Right and the Wrong (1970), The Caribbean Fox (1970) and Bim (1974). It features Errol Sitahal in three Hollywood films: A Little Princess (1995), Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) and Tommy Boy (1995). And it takes snapshots of a host of other performers, most of whom have appeared in The Mystic Masseur (2001). It is important to celebrate these individuals because they have struggled against tremendous odds as ethnic minorities to achieve visibility and stardom on the sliver screen.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• About Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago
• Caribbean Indian actors in cinematic movies [editorial] By Dr. Kumar Mahabir
• Greetings from the Prime Minister By the Honourable Patrick Manning
• Nine Hours to Rama – Basdeo Panday as a laundryman
• Man in the Middle – Basdeo Panday as an Indian journalist
• Man in the Middle – Basdeo Panday’s career as an actor
• The Right and the Wrong – Cast and Award
• The Right and the Wrong – Ralph Maraj as the hero, Shyam
• The Right and the Wrong – Angela Suekeran as Chandra
• The Right and the Wrong – Filmmaker Harbance Kumar said It Happened!!
• The Right and the Wrong – The song “O Mere Hamrahi” [O, I am for you]
• The Right and the Wrong – Anthony Maharaj talks about a re-make
• The Caribbean Fox – Kenneth Boodhu as Ramsingh, the astrologer
• The Caribbean Fox – Kenneth Boodhu’s career as an actor
• Bim – Cast, Credits and Award
• Bim – Ralph Maraj as the hero, Bim/Bheem
• Bim – Anna Seeratan as the heroine, Anna
• Bim – Kenneth Boodhu as a heckler
• Bim – Simon Bedasie as young Charlie
• Bim – Grace Maharaj as Babsie
• Bim – Background, Script and Censorship
• If Wishes Were Horses – Habeeb Khan as the comic star
• If Wishes Were Horses – Habeeb Khan’s career as an actor
• Tommy Boy – Errol Sitahal as a business executive
• A Little Princess – Credits and Cast
• A Little Princess – Plot Outline
• A Little Princess – Background Notes
• A Little Princess – Errol Sitahal as the Indian servant, Ram Dass
• A Little Princess – Extract about Ram Dass from the novel
• Klash – Credits and Cast
• Klash – Notes and viewer’s comments
• Klash – Dinesh Maharaj as a Ragga Posse member
• The Mystic Masseur – Hazare Imambaksh as the politician, Narayan
• The Mystic Masseur – Grace Maharaj as the narrator’s distressed mother
• The Mystic Masseur – David Sammy as the bookseller, Bissoon
• The Mystic Masseur – Shastri Maharaj as one of the masseur’s patients
• The Mystic Masseur – Anthony Harrypaulsingh in the wedding crowd
• The Mystic Masseur – Ravi-ji as the wedding pundit [priest]
• The Mystic Masseur – Dinesh Maharaj as a taxi driver
• The Mystic Masseur – Patti-Anne Ali as the heroine’s sister, Soomintra
• Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle – Errol Sitahal as Kumar’s father
• Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle- Errol Sitahal’s career as an actor

May-June 2006. 11 x 8 ½ inches. Glossy pages and cover.
80 pages with advertisements and articles.
ISSN 1683-4143

Available through mail service ONLY.
TT$40 (includes handling and local postage),
US$15 (includes handling and foreign postage).
Make check or money order payable to Indo-Caribbean Cultural Council.