This weekend, Jamaica pauses to honour a pivotal chapter of its national story — the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the first East Indians to the island.
On May 10, 1845, the SS Blundell docked at Old Harbour Bay, carrying 261 indentured labourers from India. That moment marked the beginning of a cultural legacy that has deeply shaped Jamaica’s identity. Now, nearly two centuries later, descendants and well-wishers will gather to commemorate their journey and influence.
The National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica will host the official celebration on Sunday, May 11, at Chedwin Park, Old Harbour Road, from 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Indian Heritage Day, as it’s known, has been officially recognised since 1995 and pays tribute to the contributions of Indo-Jamaicans in fields spanning business, agriculture, the arts, and cuisine.
Attendees can expect a vibrant mix of live entertainment featuring renowned chutney soca artist Renuka Mahabir, Veejai Ramkissoon, and a lineup of traditional and contemporary performers including tassa drummers and classical dance ensembles. The Padatik Bollywood Dance Troupe from India is also slated to perform, delivering a touch of modern India to Jamaican soil.
Complementing the performances will be an array of authentic Indian and Indo-Jamaican food offerings — from traditional rotis and curries to fusion dishes unique to Jamaica’s multicultural palette. Both Indian and Jamaican beverages will be available throughout the event.
As a prelude, Emancipation Park will host a cultural evening on Friday, May 9, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Admission to both events is free, inviting Jamaicans from all backgrounds to celebrate a shared history enriched by diversity.
