Divali Nagar to cost $6 million, 10% of budget for security

SHASTRI BOODAN
GML Correspondent

This year’s Divali Nagar celebrations are expected to cost $6 million, with just over $600,000 allocated for police, private security, fire services, and ambulance services.

Senator Deoroop Teemal, head of the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC), revealed these figures while speaking with Guardian Media on Saturday night, during one of the seven nights of Ramayan Yagna, a devotional prayer event leading up to the Nagar’s opening.

Teemal said police and fire services are not free, contrary to popular belief. He noted the NCIC pays over $250,000 to the police and over $100,000 to the fire services with the remainder spent on private security.  He said Most funding comes from the private sector and sponsors, while the government contributes some cash to the festivities.

Teemal emphasised that safety at the Nagar is paramount.

“Over the years, we have had incident-free Divali Nagar because the police presence is not only inside the Nagar; it surrounds it, with patrols and drone surveillance.”

He said there is a 15% increase in exhibitors, expanding the demand for booths at the Nagar.

Teemal reported that traffic eased in 2023.

“We received positive feedback from the public last year.  Many attendees expressed satisfaction with the shorter time it took to enter the compound and park. We are working closely with the Central Division, who are managing traffic.”

There will not be any fireworks this year.  However, the NCIC plans to stage a drone show in 2025.

Teemal explained that this year’s theme, “Ghasta Ashram—Building Homes and Building Families”, comes at a time when many families face challenges related to social and economic issues.

“Strong families contribute positively to the national fabric. Due to the deterioration of home life and the role of the householder, we are witnessing a decline in family resilience,” he noted. “This deterioration correlates with rising crime, domestic violence, and bullying, all of which can be traced back to family issues.”

“By addressing the challenges families face and reminding the nation of the importance of family,” he said, “we underscore the need to strengthen our households at this critical time.”

The post Divali Nagar to cost $6 million, 10% of budget for security first appeared on CNC3.