Indian Arrival Day
May 6, Monday
Historical Background
Following the abolition of slavery in the British colonies in the 1830s, there was a severe shortage of labour on the plantations, particularly in the Caribbean, South Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. In response, the British colonial authorities began to bring in contract labourers from India, a system known as indenture, or indentured labour.
Indians signed contracts for several years, working on sugar, cotton and tea plantations. In return, they were promised housing, food and the opportunity to return to India after the contract was completed. However, the working conditions were extremely difficult, and many Indians decided to stay in their countries of settlement, creating significant Indian communities there.
Celebration in different countries
Trinidad and Tobago. May 30 is the official date when Indian Arrival Day is celebrated. In 1845, the first ship with Indian immigrants called Fatel Razack arrived in Trinidad. This is an important event in the history of the country, because the Indian community made a significant contribution to its culture, economy and social life. Today, Indian descendants make up a significant part of the population of Trinidad and Tobago.
Guyana. May 5 is celebrated as Indian Arrival Day in Guyana. The first Indians arrived in the country in 1838 on the ship Hesperus. As in Trinidad, Indian immigrants worked on sugar cane plantations and later became an important part of Guyanese society, bringing their culture, religion and customs.
Suriname. June 5 is celebrated as Indian Arrival Day in Suriname. In 1873, the first Indian immigrants arrived on the ship Lalla Rookh. In Suriname, Indian immigrants also worked on plantations and became an integral part of the country's population, making up a significant proportion of its inhabitants.
South Africa. Indian immigration to South Africa began in 1860, when the first Indians arrived as laborers on sugar plantations in Natal. Here, Indians also made a major contribution to the economy and cultural development of the region.
Mauritius. November 2 marks the arrival of the first shipload of Indian immigrants to Mauritius in 1834. Indians, who make up the majority of the population of Mauritius, have had a profound impact on its culture and social life.
Fiji. May 14 is Indian Arrival Day in Fiji. In 1879, the ship Leonidas brought the first Indians to work in the sugar cane plantations.
Indian Arrival Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to those who endured the harsh conditions of migration and labour, and to recognise the contribution of their descendants to the development of modern societies. The holiday also highlights the importance of preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage in the diaspora, including traditions, religion and language. Celebrating this day helps to strengthen intercultural ties and unity among the multi-ethnic societies in the countries where Indians have arrived.