The Indian Association of the Bahamas (IAB) sends New Year’s Greetings and are thankful for the support given to their non-profit since registering and launching it in 2018. The IAB celebrates various religious and cultural activities among their members and the local community. With great pride, they also support hurricane relief efforts and local charities with outreach programs for the underprivileged, elderly and children’s homes.
The Association is sharing their 2019 Diwali celebration photos that exemplify positive beginnings. “Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Diwali, which for some also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness." (Source: BBC News)
At the November 2019 Diwali event held at St. John’s Auditorium, a $5,000.00 check presentation was made to the IAB president, Dr. Anupama Jacob on behalf of the Association for Hurricane Dorian relief by past president Amol Pendharkar. Non-resident High Commissioner of The Bahamas to India, His Excellency, Lowell J. Mortimer, O.B.E. and Janet Johnson of the Ministry of Tourism, along with long-time residents Mr. and Mrs. Bhatnagar and Master of Ceremonies, Sanjeev Gupta and Dr. Muneesh Sharma participated in the lighting of the “lamps.” Indian food and sweets were served to members and guests and cultural songs and dances showcased the talent of the children and adults that were part of the festivities. For more information about the Indian Association of The Bahamas, please email at: bahamasindianassociation@gmail.com or call 242-557-0981.
Past president Amol Pendharkar (right) of the Indian Association of The Bahamas presented a cheque of $5,000 to IAB President Dr. Anupama Jacob for Hurricane Dorian Relief.
Non-resident High Commissioner of The Bahamas to India, His Excellency, Lowell J. Mortimer, O.B.E. lights a Diwali Lamp while Janet Johnson from the Ministry of Tourism awaits her turn.
Special guests who lit the Diwali lamps along with members of the Indian Association of The Bahamas at Diwali 2019 included India’s High Commissioner, a Ministry of Tourism representative and members of the Association. From left to right are Master of Ceremonies Rajeev Gupta and Dr. Muneesh Sharma (far right), H.E. Lowell J. Mortimer, High Commissioner For The Bahamas To India, Janet Johnson, Ministry of Tourism, and long-time residents, Mr. Bhatnager and Mrs. Bhatnager.
Young participants of the Cultural Show for Diwali 2019 festivities proudly pose for the photographer.
The teenager performers and friends at the 2019 Diwali Cultural festivities have been performing since from a young age, sharing their songs and dance at local events like the International Cultural Festival each year.
Members and guests of the Indian Association of The Bahamas gather for a group photo, wearing their ethnic sarees at the 2019 Diwali event that was celebrated in the St. John’s College Auditorium.
The gentlemen of Indian Association of The Bahamas’ 2019 Diwali event wore western wear as well as various traditional outfits of India.
Local guests enjoyed friends, food and culture at the IAB’s 2019 Diwali celebration
A variety of Indian outfits were worn by members at the 2019 Diwali celebrations
Lovely ladies in their sarees at Diwali 2019 – a fun and cultural event organized by the Indian Association of The Bahamas.
Photo credits: Jagnnath Patra, Dr George Isac, Susan George Isac and Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
