Sponsors Withdraw Support for Divali Nagar as NCIC Seeks Funding

NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo said Divali Nagar will go ahead from October 30 to November 7 despite bmobile withdrawing sponsorship, with the 2026 festival expected to cost nearly $5 million. He said the group is still hoping for support from bmobile, Caribbean Airlines and NLCB, but will cover costs if needed. The event is expected to draw about 400,000 people to Chaguanas.

Diwali Nagar 2026 is facing a funding shortfall after bmobile, the NLCB and Caribbean Airlines withdrew sponsorship, leaving the National Council of Indian Culture seeking government help to cover an estimated $5 million cost. Organisers say the October 30–November 7 event will still go ahead, but may need programme changes; bmobile says it is shifting support to community-based Diwali activities.

Several state-controlled companies, including Caribbean Airlines, the National Lotteries Control Board and bmobile, have withdrawn support for this year’s Divali Nagar, prompting the NCIC to seek government funding. The festival, which opens on October 30 and is expected to cost about $5 million, will feature a return of youth and dance competitions and centre on the theme of truth in the age of AI.