The ceremonial lighting of the first deya to launch Divali Nagar 2015

If you’ve never been to Divali Nagar in Trinidad and Tobago, then you’re missing one of the largest cultural events of the year. Tens of thousands of people from all over the country (and even other parts of the world) throng to the NCIC Nagar compound at Chaguanas, Trinidad to enjoy the festivities.

Many attendess are not even Hindus but they enthusiastically gather to sample the delicacies on sale at the Food Court or enjoy the cultural performances on the Main Stage and the indoor Folk Theatre.

Every year, the NCIC selects a theme and a Chief Guest. For 2015, the theme was Devi Ma (in honour of the female aspect of God) and in furtherance of this theme the Chief Guest was Pandita Indrani Rampersad, one of the first female pundits (or Hindu priests) in Trinidad and Tobago.

Many top superstars also grace the main stage during the nine nights of Nagar and 2015 was no different. The final night culminated with peformances from Dil-E-Nadan and Neval Chatelal.

Numerous celebrities were also in attendance (including cricket star Brian Lara) and one local East Indian radio station even brought a few stars from a popular Indian soap opera to greet their fans.

As is customary, the Nagar Main Stage was addressed by prominent national figures. His Excellency President Anthony Carmona was in attendance on Friday night and Opposition Leader Mrs. Kamla Persad Bissessar attended on Wednesday night. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley graced the main stage with his presence on the final night and delivered Divali greetings.  

The typical fireworks display highlighted the final night where, despite the inclement weather, the usual bumper crowd was in attendance.

For Nagar 2015, Paradise Pulse joined forces with Radio 103 FM as part of their huge booth close to the main booth. Hundreds of persons took the opportunity to sign up as subscribers to Paradise Pulse.

Here are the full results from the various competitions held on the Main Stage during Divali Nagar 2015:

NCIC Dance Competition 2015 - Friday 6th November 2015

1st Place - Swastika Dance Group

2nd Place - Kiss Natraj Dance Company

3rd Place - Kaizan Shakti Dance Group

4th Place - Shalini Juteram & Karan Rampersad

5th Place - Shiv Tandava Dance Group

6th Place - Amritam Shakti Dance Company

NCIC/Coca Cola Youth Champ Competition 2015 - Saturday 7th November 2015

1st Place - Stephon Jaikaran

2nd Place - Karishma Dhowtal

3rd Place - Akshay Khandoo

4th Place - Rohan Ramdeo

5th Place - Vandana Tulsie

6th Place - Sasha Balchan

7th Place - Devashisht Ramdath

NCIC/Radio 90.5/Zee Family TV Miss Divali Nagar 2015 - Sunday 8th November 2015

Miss Divali Nagar 2015 - Chandini Chanka (Trinidad & Tobago)

1st Runner up - Kristine Singh (Trinidad & Tobago)

2nd Runner up - Nirmala Ramprasad (Canada)

3rd Runner up - Namita Balani (Belize)

4th Runner up - Rubaina Raghoenath (Suriname)

Best Sari - Kristine Singh (Trinidad & Tobago)

Best Make Up - Melissa Harrylal (Trinidad & Tobago)

Miss Photogenic - Chandini Chanka (Trinidad & Tobago)

Best Hairstyle - Namita Balani (Belize)

Special thanks to the NCIC for facilitating our coverage of Divali Nagar 2015.

What would Divali Nagar be without a trip to the famous Nagar Food Court?

The kids loved the mehindi

Even the guys got into the mehendi action!

Actresses from the ‘Strolling Players’ during a performance at the Folk Theatre

Alcoholics Anonymous was one of the many NGOs with booths at Nagar

Photos from the Annual Indoor Exhibition which was dedicated to Devi Ma (the female aspect of God) in 2015

Action from the main stage

West Indies batting legend Brian Lara with members of the NCIC Executive during a visit to Nagar

Members of the NCIC Youth Arm

Two new subscribers to Paradise Pulse

His Excellency President Carmona visits one of the many booths

Action from the 2015 Miss Divali Nagar competition