Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was established on January 8 1974 in Guyana and serves the Hindu and Guyanese Community in the areas of religion, culture, arts, education, health and social services. The Dharmic Sabha has been pivotal in the celebration of Holi and Diwali at the national level. It hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations in the Americas - the Diwali Motorcade. In addition, some of
the well-known cultural activities which are hosted annually and are part of the National calendar include for Holi - Holi Utsav, Rang Rasiya and countrywide Chowtaal Samelan, Indian Arrival Day celebrations, Naya Zamana, Ganga Arti for Kartik Snaan. Deep Jale and Kala Utsav.. This dynamic organization, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1974 was founded by Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud. The Sabha comprises of eight branches/Praants and has over 125 affiliated mandir throughout Guyana. It is supported by its women and youth arms; Mahila Mandalee and Dharmic Naujawaan. There is a USA branch of Praant of the Sabha based in New York. The Sabha's Headquarters is the Pt Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra which also serves as training institution. The Sabha's wide ranging prorgammes include Bachon- ka -satsangh, classes in Hindi, Indian Dance, Sanskrit, Bhagvad Gita, Pandits' training, Indian cookery , harmonium, dholak, tabla, charity drives and outreaches, children's reading programme and many more. The Sabha organizes events and provides various platforms that showcase local and international Indian artistes. it also stages and promotes Ramleela traditions. Dharmic Sabha operates the Dharmic Rama Krishna School - a Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, providing an excellent academic programme, smart classrooms, sports, cultural and religious education and a robust extra curricular programme. It also has a shelter for children – Bal Nivas, providing them with housing, schooling, food and other necessities. The Sabha has also consistently campaigned against domestic violence, suicide, and alcohol abuse and promoted literacy, education and positive social values. The Mahila Mandalee, the women’s Arm of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, was recognized by European Union in 2017 for its work in protection of human rights in women and children. Dharmic Sabha also has a television programme- Kala Milan and radio programmes on RGI and NTN. In 2019, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was recognised by the Government of India for its outstanding contribution to community - Bharatiya Pravasi Award. The Sabha represents the Hindu community at the National level in Guyana and is responsible for having Indian Arrival day (the day of arrival of the first Indians in Guyana) as a National holiday.
