Republic Day

People of Trinidad and Tobago celebrate Republic Day with great patriotism in their hearts. Various ceremonies are held throught the island nation to mark this day with hosting of flag to start with. As the day is a national holiday, people celebrate this day by making delicious food and sharing it with family and relatives. Students take pride in performing various patriotic events in their schools just one day prior to the public holiday.

Source: DiscoverTT (2014)

According to NALIS, a Republic is defined as “A state or nation in which the supreme power rests in all the citizens entitled to vote (the electorate), and is exercised by representatives elected, directly or indirectly, by them, and responsible to them.

Source: Nalis (2014)


Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic on August 1, 1976. The event is celebrated as a public holiday on September 24 because this is the date when the first Parliament met under the new Republican Constitution. The date was removed from the official calendar of holidays from 1999 to 2001 to make way for Spiritual Baptist (Shouter) Liberation Day which is celebrated on March 30. The Republic Day holiday was reinstated in 2002.

     How do you celebrate Republic Day? Share your experience with us at Trinbago Festivities?

Independence Day

Today, Independence Day is celebrated with military style parades held at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain and in Scarborough, Tobago. After the official activities at the parade grounds, the contingents march through the streets to the accompaniment of live music played by the bands of the various forces (e.g. Police, Fire and Prison bands). Cheering spectators line the parade route creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

The evening is usually marked by the presentation of National Awards in a ceremony held at the President's House. These awards, which were first presented in 1969, honour the outstanding achievements of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago in various fields.

Sourcce: Discover TT (2015)

Finally, this day of celebration comes to a close with fireworks displays at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain and the Port Authority Compound, Scarborough Tobago. Thousands of people gather from early in the evening to get a strategic vantage point to view these shows.

Independence Day is celebrated on August 31. This was the day when Trinidad and Tobago was freed from British rule and now had the opportunity to govern itself. It is a national holiday that has equal importance for every citizen regardless of religion, class, creed or race.

Sourcce: Discover TT (2015)

History
According to TT Connect (2008), Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence from Great Britain on August 31st 1962. At midnight on 30th August 1962, the Union Jack (British flag) was lowered and the Trinidad and Tobago flag was raised for the first time. Bells tolled and sirens rang out to herald the birth of the newly independent nation. 

How do you celebrate this day? Share your activities with us at Trinbago Festivities!

Emancipation Day

The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad & Tobago hosts a week of activities leading up to Emancipation Day including cultural performances in music, song and dance. Over the past years, leading international artistes such as the world renowned National Senegalese Ballet, Lorraine Klassen and Jabu Khanyile from South Africa have performed in the celebrations.

Other activities include an art exhibition, lectures by prominent Pan African scholars, opportunities for networking and business development through the annual International Trade and Investment Symposium.

The Kamboule (street procession) on Emancipation Day is theatre in motion, a mass procession throughout the streets of the capital Port of Spain, featuring African drums, steelband, moko jumbies and dance groups. The day ends with the Flambeau Procession later in the night, recalling the rebellion of the African Ancestors against slavery.

Sourcce: Pintrest (2015)

Within recent times, Emancipation celebrations have attracted an increasing number of foreign visitors from across the African diaspora. Trinidad & Tobago is now dubbed the Emancipation Capital of the world and the celebrations form one of the world’s foremost African festivals.According to Global World (2015), in 1933 an emancipation bill was created was passed by the government in order to get all the slaves free, but they were not slaved and got emancipated. However, news was in the air that complete freedom would be granted to those slaves, who will be accept to be apprenticed to their former master for minimum of 4 years. However, very soon the system of slavery was abolished, which provided the slaves with complete freedom.

Sourcce: Discover TT (2015)

In 1985, August 1, Emancipation Day, was declared a national holiday. Since 1985, Emancipation celebrations have grown into a major national festival, where tens of thousands of people participate in various activities. Thus, the day is celebrated with great Zeal and Enthusiasm throughout the country. The abolishment of slavery was well accepted and celebrated in every country

Hosay

Hosay parades take place in two Shiite communities in Trinidad: St. James, in the western section of Port-of-Spain, and Cedros, in the South. The colorful procession in St. James is the largest (five tadjahs) and draws thousands of spectators of all religions every year. The Shiites of St. James spend a considerable amount of time and money in the building of miniature temples (tadjahs, taziyas, hosays, mausoleums) with bamboo, wood, paper, and tinsel to depict the tomb of Hussain. These tadjahs range in height from 10 to 30 feet and are hauled through the streets on parade days accompanied by the beating of drums (tassas) and two standards in the shape of half-moons, each carried separately on the shoulder of one man at a time. The half-moons (one red and one green) symbolize the deaths of both Hussain and his brother Hassan; red for the blood of Hussain that was shed at Karbala and green for the poisoning of Hassan, 11 years earlier. The drums and flags are symbolic of those used in wars in the 7th century.

In St. James, the main parade of tadjahs takes place along the Western Main Road on the 10th day of Muharram; this day is called Aashura. Aashura is the "Day of Atonement" for all Muslims and was observed long before the martyrdom of Hussain which, coincidentally, occurred on the same day. The three days preceding Aashura are also filled with parades, as laid out in the Table (Hosay Events) below (Nalis, 2015):

HOSAY EVENTS
DAY	EVENT	DESCRIPTION
1st Day of Muharram	Prayers	As the construction of the tadjahs continues, prayer meetings are held at each Hosay site (yard).
7th Day of Muharram	Flag Night	This is the first night of processions on the streets and representatives from each Hosay yard parade with flags and drums.
8th Day of Muharram	Little Hosay Night	This is the second night of processions when small replicas of the two tombs (hosays) of Hussain and Hassan are paraded on the streets with the beating of drums.
9th Day of Muharram	Big Hosay Night	The tadjahs are brought into public view for the first time, together with standards in the shape of half-moons, and are paraded on the streets with the beating of drums.
10th Day of Muharram (Aashura)	Kerbala Day	This is the final parade day.
13th Day of Muharram	Teejah Day	The tadjahs are taken to the sea in Cocorite and broken up.

"Hosein" or "Hosay" as it usually pronounced in Trinidad, has its origins in a religious ceremony formerly practised only by the Muslim sect known as " Shiites ". However because of certain non Muslim practices which have crept into it, it is no longer considered a religious event but a cultural festival.

Source: TrinScene (2015)

This festival is in honour of two brothers Hosein and Hassan who were treacherously murdered in a Persian holy war. It is celebrated in the Muhurram month of the Muslim calendar, ten days after the appearance of the new moon. There is therefore no set month of the Roman calendar when it is held. As the time approaches " tadjahs " are made mosque like in shape, ten to fifteen feet high, marvelous in design and colour, and cleverly constructed of bamboo, multi-coloured paper, tinsel and bits of glass.

Phagwa or Holi

Source: TriniScene (2000)


The Hindus, who came from India, in 1845, as indentured labourers on the sugarcane fields, brought with them Phagwa. In T&T, this festival of colours is celebrated with songs, music and dances in a grand style throughout Trinidad. A variety of colourful dye, called abeer, is mixed and sprayed and smearing powder on all those who participate in the celebrations. A special type of folk song, called Chowtal, is sung during the course of the festival and the accompanying music is usually played using only two instruments: The Dholak, a hand drum, and the Majeera, cymbals or percussion instrument.

This colorful festival is still celebrated throughout Trinidad in villages and communities where Chowtal Groups perform in song and dance. The Aranguez Savannah is a popular venue for this celebration of birth and renewal.

Phagwa or Holi as it is also called, is a joyous celebration that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is celebrated in the later part of the month of Phalgun and the early part of Chaitra, in the Hindu calendar. This corresponds to the English months of March-April and coincides with the onset of spring in India, where the festival has been celebrated for thousands of years.

The annual festival occurs after the full moon in the month of March or April, and has a high level of spiritual significance. Traditionally, Holi was known as an agricultural festival and Hindus believe in the tradition of a harvest as they reap good deeds after a year of sacrifice and repentance.

Phagwa calls for the removal of the ego and is a period of purifi­cation. It is a time of ­rejoice, merrymaking and the atmosphere is filled with joy, especially as it signifies the triumph of good over evil.

Divali

On the day of Divali, Hindus invite their friends and family at their homes to celebrate this auspicious occasion with them. Traditional East Indian wear & jewelry is worn, girls adorn the mehindi designs on their hands and feet and the East Indian style food and delicacies is made and shared. The celebration of Divali is experienced nationwide. On the upcoming nights before the day, Divali celebrations is held not only at the famous Divali Nagar, but also in numerous villages and even streets which includes activities such as east indian music, dance, tassa, pageants (Divali Queen competition), pick-a-pan and much more.

Divali (Diwali, Deepavali) is the Festival of Lights that symbolizes the lifting of spiritual darkness. Divali means an array of lamps and, every year, it is celebrated by Hindus around the world with the lighting of diyas. A diya is a small clay pot that contains oil and a cotton wick that is lit. In Trinidad, coconut oil is used to keep the diyas burning.

Divali is observed on the new moon day (Amavasya, Amaavaasya) of the month of Kaartik (Kartik) in the Hindu calendar. Divali Day can occur any time between the 14th day (in the dark half) of the month of Aashwayuja and the 2nd day of the bright half of Kaartik.

Sourcce: TriniScene (2015)

This Festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, justice over injustice and intelligence over ignorance. The goddess worshipped at Divali is Mother Lakshmi or Lakshmi Mata. Lakshmi Mata is the goddess of light, wealth and beauty and is also associated with prosperity, luck, riches, abundance, financial well being, and generosity.

Sourcce: Discover TT (2015)

Beautiful Rangoli Art(As seen above)- Indians love colors and its perfectly reflected in various ways. Rangoli is one such example that is a unique art work that is practiced by people all across India. Basically Rangoli is an art work that is done floors.

Source: Pinterest (2014)

How do you celebrate this auspicious event? Share your experience with us at Trinbago Festivities!

For more indormation on its significance etc,  see- Significance of Divali

Eid-Ul-Fitr

Muslims celebrate Eid by saying prayers, giving money to the poor, sending Eid greetings and feasting with their families. As mentioned in earlier posts in this blog, since this festival was brought to Trinidad and Tobago by the Indian indentured laborers from India in 1845. As such, in the celebration of Eid a lot of the East Indian culture is present. As such Muslim girls enjoy adorning their arms with intricate henna tattoo designs, exchanging gifts or wearing festive clothing and jewelry. Below displays the different clothing worn by the ladies during this time.

Sourcce: Discover TT (2015)

The festival of Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Fast breaking, marks the end of Ramadan.

"As Muslims mark the end of the month, they are reminded that Ramadan is a time to reflect spiritually, build communally, and aid those in need," President Obama said. "While Eid marks the end of Ramadan, it marks a new beginning for each individual – a reason to celebrate and express gratitude on this holiday." (Time World, 2015)

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith and is sacred to Muslims as it was during this month that the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Eid al-Fitr begins each year with the sighting of the new moon, indicating the end of a month of fasting and reflection. To start the holiday, many gather in large, open-air locations or in local mosques on the first morning for special prayers, the Salat al-Eid. People celebrate after the more reflective month of Ramadan.

Therefore, as the date of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon, there may be variations in the exact date that is celebrated around the world. The announcing of the exact date of Eid may not happen until close to the start of Ramadan. 

How do you celebrate this event with your family and friends? Share your experience with us here at Trinibago Festivities!

East Indian Music, Dance & Fashion

Even in today’s society, East Indian music represents an essential aspect of Indian festivals. This includes firstly, the instruments the indentured laborers brought with them from India. To name a few of the more popular ones, these include the dholak, dhantal, tabla, harmonium, sitar, tassa, majeera, basuri, veena, dhol, jaal, mandolin, udukkai etc. 

Secondly, with these instrument, the musical culture migrated to Trinidad where East Indian musical techniques such as Classical, Semi classical, folk, light music and devotional compositional styles were portrayed. 

Thirdly, with aid of the music and instruments, there were the dance techniques which still very popular. These include kathak, kuchipudi and orissi.

A popular instrumental known to Indo-Trinidadian is that of Mungal Patasar’s Dreadlocks which incorporated both the sitaar instrument and that of the steelpan. Below displays the link this item.



FASHION

The East Indians introduced new fashions and clothing such as the sari, choli, kurtah, orhni, salwar kameez, garara, dupatta, gangri, pagri, and dhoti. 

Jewellery included the nakphul, bera, churia, and baju band, to name a few. These clothing are mainly worn around Divali, Eid-Ul-Fitr, prayers, weddings etc.

East Indian Food & Cooking Utensils

FOOD

The indentured labourers who came to Trinidad from India brought with them their own East Indian cuisine, complete with traditional seasonings and ways of cooking. Most important of their spices were the curries. In Trinidad and Tobago most Hindi words in common use today relate to the kitchen and food. Over time foods such as roti, doubles, saheena, katchowrie, barah, anchar and pholourie have become household names and are consumed by a wide cross-section of the society. Today, East Indian dishes are part of the national cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago.

Types of Roti Sweets Fruits and Vegetables Sada Dosti Paratha (Buss-up-shut) Dhalpourie Aloopourie Khurma Peera Ladoo Goolab Jamoon Jellaby Goolgoolah (Ripe fig) Sawine Baigan - Egg plant Aloo - Potato Damadol - Tomato Dhal - Split Peas Nariel - Coconut Bhaat - Cooked Rice Tarkaree - Cooked Vegetables Ghee - Clarified Butter Bandhaniya - Shadon Beni Carili - Bitter Gourd

Cooking Utensils
Below is a list of the East Indians cooking utensils. Even in today's generation, these words are still frequently used in households in Trinidad.

Utensils	Description
Tawa Belna Chauki Dabila Puchara Chulah Pukni Chimta Karahi Sup Saphee Dhall-ghotni Okhri Musar Sil Lorha Jharu	Baking stone Rolling pin Paste board Flat wooden spoon Cotton brush for oil Fireside Long hollow pipe Tongs Cauldron (big pot) Strainer Kitchen towel Swizzle stick Mortar Pestle Grindstone (used with Lorha) Hand-held stone grinder Cocoyea broom

East Indians Customs and Festivals

The East Indians who arrived on the 30th May 1845, brought to Trinidad a wide range of festivals and religious observances. For East Indians - both Hindus and Muslims - these celebrations were important. Events such as Divali, Eid-ul-Fitr, Phagwa and Hoosay (later discussed in this blog) have, over the years, become part of the cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago and are being celebrated nationwide. 

   One ancient practice which has recently become a western phenomenon is the Mehndi (or Henna) which is the ancient art of body tattooing. This is placed on the feet and hands (as seen above & below) of females for occasions such as weddings, engagements etc. 

    The indentured labourers brought not only their religion, food and clothing, but also the names of the places from which they came. They gave to the places they settled in Trinidad, the place names with which they were familiar. Hence the reason for village names such as Fyzabad, Barrackpore, Chandernagore, and many others.

Below is a sample list of Hindu and Muslim names and their meanings.

Hindu Names Girls	Hindu Names Boys	Muslim Names Girls	Muslim Names Boys
Aruna - Dawn Chandra- Moon Indira-Lakshmi Indrani - Wife of Indra Lalita- Variety, Beauty Madhuri- Sweet Girl Mohini-Most beautiful, Bewitching Prema - Love Shanti - Peace	Avinash - Endless, Boundless Hemaraj - King of Gold Manoj - Born of Mind Mohan-Charming, Fascinating Prakash - Light Rajesh - God of Kings Saurav - Divine, Celestial Sundar- Beautiful Vijay - Victory	Alia, Aalia - Exalted Aneesa - Friendly Fareeda - Unique Fatima - Name of the Prophet Muhammad's Daughter Kaamla - Perfect Nadia - The Beginning, First Nadira - Rare, Precious Rasheeda - Wise, Mature Saleema - Safe, Healthy Yasmeen - Jasmine Zahraa - White	Ali - Excellent Hamza - Lion Hassan - Beautiful Jamal - Beauty Kareem - Generous, Noble Khalid - Eternal