Their Excellencies Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Kerwyn Garcia, SC, First Gentleman, hosted Ramleela celebrations at The President’s House for a second consecutive year on Friday 23 October, 2026.
Scenes from the Ramayan were brought to life by students of the El Dorado North Hindu Primary School and the Tunapuna Hindu Primary School, reflecting Her Excellency’s commitment to making The President’s House a space for cultural, educational and artistic expression, particularly for the nation’s youth.
The re-enactment featured the burning of a 40-foot effigy of King Ravan, designed and constructed by Mr. Trevor Seunarine and team from SWAHA Hindu College. The event was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of Indian cultural and educational organisations, and students from seven primary schools.
In her address, President Kangaloo commended the young performers for preserving an important part of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and spiritual heritage, “A culture survives because each generation receives it with respect and chooses to hand it on.”
Her Excellency also highlighted the significance of hosting Ramleela during a year marking the 150th anniversary of The President’s House and the 50th anniversary of the Presidency. “The highest purpose of this House today, is to serve the people and to be a place in which the nation can see itself – in its many faiths, cultures and histories, and in the citizenship we share.”
Among the organisations represented were Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Trinidad, Brahma Vidya Peetam International, Chaguanas Brahma Kumaris, Chinmaya Mission, Kabir Panth Association, National Council of Indian Culture, Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, The Vedic Mission of Trinidad and Tobago, UWI Hindu Society and UWI Indian Cultural Society.
The visiting primary schools were Aranguez Hindu Primary School, Caroni Hindu Primary School, El Dorado North Hindu Primary School, Nelson Street Boys RC Primary School, Richmond Street Boys AC Primary School, St. Catherine Girls AC Primary School and Tunapuna Hindu Primary School.
Ramleela depicts the life of Lord Ram, including his fourteen-year exile and his eventual victory over the malevolent King Ravan. The traditional burning of an effigy of Ravan, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, marks the climax of the re-enactment. This tradition is observed in villages throughout Trinidad and Tobago in the weeks preceding Divali, imparting lessons of righteousness, courage, duty and respect.
See more photos from the event in the album below:
