Origins
This ship brought the first Indian indentured labourers to Trinidad in May 1845.
What is the Fatel Razack?
This ancient body art, now popular in the West, was traditionally used to decorate the hands and feet of brides.
What is Mehndi or Henna?
This spice, essential to East Indian cuisine, became a key ingredient in Trinidad and Tobago cooking.
What is curry?
This drum, made of clay and covered with goat skin, is played with sticks and is often used in weddings and Hosay celebrations.
What is the tassa drum?
This traditional, unstitched garment can be up to 9 yards long and is often draped in various styles by women.
What is the sari?
Indian Arrival Day is celebrated annually on this date.
What is May 30th?
These two major religions were practiced by East Indians and helped preserve their values in Trinidad.
What are Hinduism and Islam?
This flatbread, also known as "buss-up-shut," is a popular type of roti in Trinidad.
What is paratha?
This pair of hand-played drums, introduced to India by Muslims of Persia, is a key part of most Indian musical performances.
What is the tabla?
This outfit, consisting of a long dress worn over pants with a dupatta, is the second most popular traditional dress in India.
What is the salwar kameez?
The year this event was officially declared a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.
What is 1994?
This Hindi dialect, spoken by immigrants from Uttar Pradesh, became the unifying language of East Indians in Trinidad.
What is Bhojpuri?
This sweet dish made from milk and vermicelli is commonly served during Eid celebrations.
What is sawine?
This bamboo flute with seven holes is a traditional Indian wind instrument.
What is the bansoori?
This long, full skirt worn by women reaches down to the ankles.
140,000 Indians immigrated to Trinidad during this time period.
What is 1845 to 1917?
Celebrations like Divali, Phagwa, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Hoosay are examples of these cultural contributions from East Indians.
What are festivals or religious observances?
This round kitchen utensil, used to make roti, is a flat metal or stone surface.
What is a tawa?
Made from a steel rod and a metal horseshoe, this unique Trinidadian instrument originated from sugar estate tools.
What is the dhantal?
Worn by men, this traditional East Indian garment is a cotton loin cloth.
What is the dhoti?
This location was where the Indian immigrants first rested before going to the estates.
What is Nelson Island?
East Indians brought this system for resolving inter-family and community conflicts.
What is the panchayat system?
This green vegetable, also known as bitter gourd, is referred to as this in Hindi.
What is carili?
This stringed instrument, adapted from the vina, features a gourd resonator and has both principal and resonating strings.
What is the sitar?
A veil which covers the upper part of the body in women.
What is an orhni?