Indian Arrival Day

May 30th is Indian Arrival Day. First celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago as Indian Emigration Day in 1945, 100 years after the first girmityas (Indian immigrants) crossed the kala pani on the Fatal Razak to land here. Those who survived the journey brought with them their rich and ancient culture that has become an intrinsic part of Trini identity.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of many countries that celebrates Indian Arrival Day. Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname all celebrate. It was first made a public holiday in T&T in 1995.

There has been some contention with the name with some taking issue with it being distinguished as “Indian” Arrival Day. There had been the intention to call it Arrival Day, so as to encompass all who arrived here. But it was felt and argued that as a significant population, the specificities of Indian Arrival was worth special notice.

In writing the TV story about Indian Arrival Day I was taken by how important it is to invest in knowing one’s person history. I was able to find footage of current Prime Minister’s return to her ancestors’ home, and how deeply that affected her. As prime minister she was treated as a state official, with special songs and ceremonies that would not be afforded to the average visitor. However, one does not need ceremony to feel connection to a space.

I hope you use today to learn about your personal history, or our history as a country and the role East Indian people have played in making us who we are as a country.

Happy Indian Arrival Day!