Celebrating 145 year Hindustani Immigration in Suriname

Lalla Rookh. Source: Wikimedia

On June 5th 2018 , the Hindustani population of Suriname celebrates their 145 year immigration form India to Suriname. On this day 145 years ago, 400 immigrants arrived on the "Lalla Rookh", a sail ship bound from Calcutta, India. The trip took an estimated 3 months before arriving on the Surinamese shores. Between 1873 and 1916 around 34.000 Indian immigrants set foot on Surinamese soil. During that period India was still under rule of the British Monarchy and a lot of Indians were seeking better opportunities and coming to Suriname to work as a Contract laborer seemed like such an opportunity. Even though slavery was abolished in 1863, the laborers their working and living conditions were often not much better than that of the slaves.
A usual contract was for five years and after serving out the contract, the majority of the immigrants stayed in Suriname. The government made sure to give these immigrants a piece of land of their own.

"A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Nowadays the Hindustani ethic group makes up the majority of the Surinamese population. Their culture and traditions have been well preserved over the last 100 years.

Baba & Mai. This statue was made in honor of the indian ancestors. (statue was unveiled on June 4th 1994)

A lot of festivities have been planned including a fair, art exhibition and June 5th 2018 has been deemed a national holiday.

Immigration celebration at Laarwijk (old plantation). Source: dbsuriname**

Cultural dance performance. Source: Waterkant

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