THE National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC) is hoping for at least $1 million in State funding to support the staging of Divali Nagar 2025, which is expected to cost around $3.5 million.

This year’s annual festival at the NCIC’s Chaguanas headquarters is set to run from Saturday October 11 to Sunday October 19, NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo announced yesterday. The annual nine-day event, which precedes the Festival of Lights, will also this year see some changes such as the exclusion of its customary fireworks show on the last night.

Mangaroo said the Divali Nagar is regarded as the biggest Hindu festival outside of India and noted that public attendance has only increased in recent years.