Indian Arrival Day

Indian Arrival Day is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated annually on May 30th to commemorate the arrival of the first indentured laborers from India in 1845.

The event signifies the cultural and historical significance of people of Indian origin who came to the Caribbean as indentured laborers to work on the sugar plantations.

The Indian Arrival Day celebrations usually begin with a religious ceremony held in major cities and towns where people participate in a puja or worship service. Cultural programs, performances, and parades are held throughout the day, showcasing the rich Indian heritage and traditions.

Dance performances, music and drumming, colorful costumes, and traditional Indian food are an integral part of the festivities. People also light diyas or lamps and offer prayers to their ancestors who came as indentured laborers to the Caribbean.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Indian Arrival Day is a time for people of Indian descent to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their culture and traditions and pay tribute to their ancestors who endured great hardship to build a new life in a foreign land.