In a true reflection of the Jamaican motto, ‘Out of Many One People’, Jamaicans of East Indian ancestry will be celebrating their 180th year since arriving on the island this weekend.

May 10, 1845 was when the first group of 261 indentured labourers from India arrived in Jamaica aboard the SS Blundell at Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine.

On Sunday, the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica will commemorate their arrival, also known as Indian Heritage Day, at Chedwin Park, Old Harbour Road, starting at 2:00 pm until 8:30 pm.
The event recognises the significant contribution of Indians to Jamaica’s social and economic development.

The Jamaican government officially recognised the event in 1995, declaring May 10th as Indian Heritage Day.

There will be a pre-show at Emancipation Park on Friday, May 9, between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.

Sunday’s commemoration will include live performances by several artistes including chutney soca star Renuka Mahabir; Veejai Ramkissoon and band; the Maharaj Sangeet and Raaja Getta Bhojpuri bands and the Clarendon Tassa band.

There will also be performances by the Classical Kathak Dance group, the Padatik Bollywood Dance Troupe from India, and the Indo-Jamaican Bollywood Dances.

Other attractions will include traditional Indian dishes; Indo-Jamaican dishes, assorted roti and traditional breads and Indian and local beers and liquors.

Admission will be free.