Indian Arrival Day
The Caribbean has long been considered a melting pot of various cultures — mixing the cuisines, music, language, and practices of the people indigenous to the Caribbean with Africans, Indians, and other groups. The arrival of Indian indentured servants to the region is recognized across several countries, and is known as Indian Arrival Day.
The British implemented the indentured servitude system to replace the recently-abolished system of slavery. Indentured servants were recruited to work for 5 years and return to India. In reality, they were deceived into another inhumane scheme most were never able to return to their home.
What Is Indian Arrival Day?
Indian Arrival Day is an official holiday recognized on different dates among certain Caribbean nations where the British utilized the indentured servitude system. It commemorates the first arrival of Indian indentured laborers in the Caribbean.
The Whitby and Hesperus were the first ships that brought Indian indentured labourers to Guyana and the entire Caribbean on May 5, 1838.
In Trinidad, this happened on May 30, 1845, when almost 227 Indian immigrants were brought by the ship Fatel Rozack. In 1994, the day was made into an official public holiday. Click here to read more about the Fatel Rozack.
The holiday has different names in certain countries, such as Indian Heritage Day in Jamaica or Prawas Din in Suriname, as well as different holiday dates. However, the core reason and significance behind the recognition remains the same.
Indian Arrival Day Across the Caribbean
Indian Arrival Day has been honored in the past with music, dance, and other activities. Outstanding individuals are also often honored on this day for their contributions to the community. Some countries, like Trinidad and Tobago, also stage re-enactments of the momentous event across various beaches.
Different dates of remembrance mark the respective arrival dates of Indian laborers in different countries. Here are the dates to remember:
- Grenada: May 1
- Guyana: May 5
- Saint Lucia: May 6
- Jamaica: May 10
- Fiji: May 14
- Trinidad and Tobago: May 30
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: June 1
- Suriname: June 5
- Mauritius: November 2
- South Africa: November 16
Why Is It Important to Remember Indian Arrival Day?
The British’s indentured servitude system was inhumane– from the working conditions to the living conditions. 500,000 Indians endured indentureship in the Caribbean. Some returned to India but many more were forced to stay in the Caribbean and were not allowed to return to India.
The reason behind the arrival of these Indians is bittersweet. Although the historical events are tinged with sadness, prejudices, and mistreatment, it is now also recognized for the sacrifices that our ancestors made and had to endure.
Indian Arrival Day honors the contributions of Indian indentured laborers to the British colonies. It also serves as a reminder of what they overcame and how they helped pave the way for future generations.
The Takeaway
While this day marks the indentureship of Indians in the British colonies, it is the start of a new legacy. It is also the historic beginning of the fusion of Indian culture in the Caribbean.
Remembering the day it all began does not glorify the indentureship but rather honors the perseverance of our ancestors and reminds us of the hardships they went through to leave a better future for later generations.
References:
https://visittrinidad.tt/event/indian-arrival-day/?cn-reloaded=1
https://exploreguyana.org/event/indian-arrival-day/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Arrival_Day
By Melissa Ramnauth, Esq. | This content is copyright of West Indian Diplomacy, LLC and may not be reproduced without permission.
She runs West Indian Diplomacy, a Caribbean blog aimed at promoting West Indian history and business in the global marketplace. Melissa has been an attorney for over 10 years. She currently focuses on trademark registration, trademark searches, and office actions. She also has extensive legal experience in the areas of trademarks, copyrights, contracts, and business formations. She owns her own Trademark Law Firm that is virtually based out of Fort Lauderdale.
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Book Recommendations
The First East Indians to Trinidad: Captain Cubitt Sparkhall Rundle and the Fatel Rozack
History of the People of Trinidad and Tobago
An Introduction to the History of Trinidad and Tobago
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I am happy my ancestors are being remembered!!! I am one of Indian arrival from many generation, born in Guyana, this history is being taught in every schools in the country also the arrival with the other cultures ethnic races.