NCIC launches Divali Nagar 2025

Shastri Boodan

Divali Nagar 2025 is expected to cost $3.5 million, and the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) is appealing for at least $1 million in state funding to help cover the expenses.

The announcement was made by newly elected NCIC President, Surujdeo Mangaroo, during the official launch of Nagar 2025 at the organisation’s head office in Chaguanas on Wednesday.

Responding to questions, Mangaroo noted that in 2024 the former PNM administration provided $500,000 to assist with the staging of the nine-day festival. He said the NCIC barely broke even last year.

“We raise a lot of money to host this event through booth rentals, corporate sponsorship and individuals who come forward to identify with the Nagar,” Mangaroo explained. He also appealed to the wider business community to lend further support.

Mangaroo confirmed that there would be no fireworks display at this year’s event. He revealed that the NCIC spends as much as $250,000 on hiring police and private security.

“We don’t get police for free,” he remarked, adding that traffic management had improved in the past two years. The NCIC will be writing to the Minister of Transport to request the assistance of Traffic Wardens to further ease congestion around the site.

This year’s Nagar will also exclude competitions, a departure from previous years. The venue will open from 10 am daily to allow patrons greater flexibility in visiting.

Mangaroo also addressed criticisms surrounding the Inter Religious Organisation’s (IRO) planned interfaith service at the Nagar on Independence Day.

“We cannot dictate where they hold their service. We gave permission for the venue to be used and that is what we are doing. If we were to focus on the negativity of life, Divali Nagar would have ended 30 years ago. We welcome criticism—it inspires us to continue and to stay positive,” he said.

The 2025 edition will be held under the theme Loka Samgraha (Welfare of the World). Mangaroo explained that the theme serves as a reminder that traditions are not solely about personal celebration but also about collective responsibility.

“It is a call to foster unity, peace and well-being across communities, transcending barriers of culture, race and creed. As we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil, we must also embrace the opportunity to work towards the greater good of society,” he stated.

Divali Nagar 2025 runs from Saturday 11 October to Sunday 19 October.