[www.inewsguyana.com] – Guyanese were provided the opportunity of sampling a wide variety of chokas and the organisers of the event – the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) and the Indian High Commission – were congratulated by First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar for organising the first local Choka Fest, which she deemed an important event that was also attended by President Donald Ramotar.
“As we all know, Guyana is a multi – ethnic society with our people having their origins in various continents of the world, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, all of which have very rich cultures and traditions. Having come to these shores, our ancestors transported their various customs and traditions so today they have all become part of our people’s cultural values,” she said at the event held at the Indian Cultural Centre, Bel Air on Sunday October 20.
“Our diverse ethnicity provides us with a very rich unique culture,” said Mrs. Ramotar.
She is of the belief that as part of preserving Guyanese identity and cultural heritage, it will be important to record the history, the stories of Guyanese fore parents.
“Today choka, especially coconut and baigan (boulanger) choka is a national dish. It is prepared by all our people and enjoyed by all,” the First Lady noted.
The choka fest was a unique food festival, where patrons savoured aloo (potato), coconut, baigan (egg plant), tomato and fish chokas.
Also present at the fest were Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud, Executive Member of the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) Neaz Subhan, members of the diplomatic corps and cultural groups, among others.
