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At a time when several major State-linked companies are pulling their financial support from Divali Nagar, Blue Waters has stepped forward with an increased sponsorship commitment to help sustain one of Trinidad and Tobago's largest cultural celebrations. The National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) announced on Friday, October 23, that Blue Waters had elevated its contribution to become an official Diamond Sponsor of Divali Nagar 2026, which marks the event's 40th anniversary. The announcement provides a welcome boost for organisers who are facing mounting financial pressure just days before the nine-night celebration begins in Chaguanas. The increased contribution comes amid the withdrawal of several familiar corporate supporters, including National Flour Mills (NFM), First Citizens Bank and bmobile. First Citizens ended 18 consecutive years of sponsorship, while bmobile's association with the annual celebration extended over two decades. National Flour Mills also confirmed that it would not participate this year, without publicly providing a specific reason for its decision. Latest Trinidad And Tobago News +1 Other previous supporters, including Caribbean Airlines and the National Lotteries Control Board, have not returned as sponsors for the 2026 event. NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo has estimated that this year's celebrations will cost approximately $5 million, with expenses covering security, lighting, sound systems, cultural performances and general operations. The organisation has been seeking additional Government and private-sector assistance to meet those costs. The NCIC received a $500,000 Government contribution towards its 2025 celebrations and is hoping to secure further assistance this year. Against this backdrop, Blue Waters' decision to increase its contribution represents a significant show of corporate support at a critical moment. In its announcement, the NCIC acknowledged the company's long-standing association with Divali Nagar and welcomed its decision to strengthen that relationship during the milestone anniversary. The financial value of the upgraded Diamond Sponsorship was not disclosed. Despite the loss of several sponsors, Mangaroo has assured the public that Divali Nagar will proceed without reducing the quality of its programme or introducing an admission fee. Meanwhile, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has explained that bmobile's decision reflects a shift towards supporting smaller community-based Divali celebrations rather than concentrating resources on promotional activities at the Nagar. The 40th anniversary celebrations will take place from October 30 to November 7 at the NCIC Nagar in Chaguanas under the theme "Viveka – Discerning Truth in the Age of AI." The theme encourages critical thinking and the ability to distinguish truth from misinformation in an increasingly digital society. For four decades, Divali Nagar has provided a platform for cultural performances, religious observances, education, traditional arts and community participation. With preparations continuing and several corporate sponsorships still unresolved, the increased backing from Blue Waters offers some financial relief and highlights the importance of private-sector partnerships in preserving national cultural traditions. The NCIC maintains that the celebrations will go ahead as planned, with admission remaining free to the public.
At a time when several major State-linked companies are pulling their financial support from Divali Nagar, Blue Waters has stepped forward with an increased sponsorship commitment to help sustain one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest cultural celebrations.
The National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) announced on Friday, October 23, that Blue Waters had elevated its contribution to become an official Diamond Sponsor of Divali Nagar 2026, which marks the event’s 40th anniversary.
The announcement provides a welcome boost for organisers who are facing mounting financial pressure just days before the nine-night celebration begins in Chaguanas.
The increased contribution comes amid the withdrawal of several familiar corporate supporters, including National Flour Mills (NFM), First Citizens Bank and bmobile.
First Citizens ended 18 consecutive years of sponsorship, while bmobile’s association with the annual celebration extended over two decades. National Flour Mills also confirmed that it would not participate this year, without publicly providing a specific reason for its decision.
Latest Trinidad And Tobago News +1
Other previous supporters, including Caribbean Airlines and the National Lotteries Control Board, have not returned as sponsors for the 2026 event.
NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo has estimated that this year’s celebrations will cost approximately $5 million, with expenses covering security, lighting, sound systems, cultural performances and general operations.
The organisation has been seeking additional Government and private-sector assistance to meet those costs. The NCIC received a $500,000 Government contribution towards its 2025 celebrations and is hoping to secure further assistance this year.
Against this backdrop, Blue Waters’ decision to increase its contribution represents a significant show of corporate support at a critical moment.
In its announcement, the NCIC acknowledged the company’s long-standing association with Divali Nagar and welcomed its decision to strengthen that relationship during the milestone anniversary.
The financial value of the upgraded Diamond Sponsorship was not disclosed.
Despite the loss of several sponsors, Mangaroo has assured the public that Divali Nagar will proceed without reducing the quality of its programme or introducing an admission fee.
Meanwhile, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has explained that bmobile’s decision reflects a shift towards supporting smaller community-based Divali celebrations rather than concentrating resources on promotional activities at the Nagar.
The 40th anniversary celebrations will take place from October 30 to November 7 at the NCIC Nagar in Chaguanas under the theme “Viveka – Discerning Truth in the Age of AI.”
The theme encourages critical thinking and the ability to distinguish truth from misinformation in an increasingly digital society.
For four decades, Divali Nagar has provided a platform for cultural performances, religious observances, education, traditional arts and community participation.
With preparations continuing and several corporate sponsorships still unresolved, the increased backing from Blue Waters offers some financial relief and highlights the importance of private-sector partnerships in preserving national cultural traditions.
The NCIC maintains that the celebrations will go ahead as planned, with admission remaining free to the public.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
