This year’s Divali Nagar celebration is expected to cost $5 million, according to the National Council of Indian Culture’s (NCIC) public relations officer Surujdeo Mangaroo.
Mangaroo was at the time fielding questions from Guardian Media on Saturday night as he participated in the 15 anniversary celebrations of the Rotary Club of Penal at the Doc’s Ranch at Phillipine, San Fernando.
Mangaroo said most of the capital would be raised by booth holders and sponsors, who pay a rent for the nine-day event that is expected to start today at the Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas.
However, Mangaroo said he is hoping the Government will allocate at least $1 million to offset the costs. He said in 2016 the NCIC got $800,000 from the state coffers, but anything less than $1 million this year could see them landing in “some financial distress.”
He said the entertainment at the Nagar does not come for free and they often have to spend around $500,000 to pay artistes who appear on the stages.
He said despite the economic downturn there has been a demand for booths, mostly from retailers who see the venue as an opportunity to reach a wider market.
Mangaroo said the theme for 2017 is Hindu Symbolism and a bigger and better festival is planned for this year. He also promised better wash-room facilities, additional parking and improved traffic management.
SHASTRI BOODAN