Wayne Lalchan, President of the Bamboo No 1 Mandir and his brother Dennis celebrated their birthday along with Pitri Paksh rituals and offerings to their deceased father Dilgar Lalchan, grandfather Nirhoo Lalchan and other ancestors on Wednesday 25 September at the Bamboo No. 1 Mandir.
In paying tribute to his paternal grandfather, Nirhoo Lalchan, Wayne said that he came as an indentured laborer and was settled in Guaymare in Charlieville before moving to Bamboo No 1in 1948.
A farmer by profession, Nirhoo fathered ten children with Wayne’s father, Dilgar, being the youngest and the only one to benefit from a secondary school education which qualified him to serve as a prison officer for 30 years.
Both Wayne and Dennis, born on the same day but two years apart are 58 years and 60 years respectively. Dennis now resides in NY with his wife and son Daniel. While Dennis’s wife was unable to get leave from her works, his son participated with him in all the rites and rituals.
Scores of family members, relatives and friends packed the mandir to celebrate with the Lalchans.
Officiating was Pandit Yankatesu of Bamboo No 3 who not only guided the jajmans on the execution of the rituals but also read from the Bhagavad Gita.
Bhajans and kirtans were sung by Madan Rampaul and group from St Augustine. Also singing on stage was Koli of Felicity who is a renown singer.
The event was not without the passing of the aarti, and the serving of parsad and bhojan. As usual, the bhojan was delicious. Hats off to the many devotees who cooked and served the meals voluntarily.
