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Within Indian culture a vast array of musical instruments exists for both religious and celebrative events. These instruments include the Thavil, Tar Shehnai, Tanpura, Tabla etcetera .

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Indian culture comprises of various forms of dance,which are broadly divided into classical dances and folk dances . Classical dance forms are spiritual in nature whilst folk dance forms are both spiritual and religious in nature, but is greatly attributed to celebrations. Indian dance forms are diverse in nature and consists of coherent expressions of human feelings.The most popular dance styles are Kathak of Uttar Pradesh, Manipuri of Manipur, Kathak, and Odissi.

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Hindu murtis destroyed, church goers quizzed.

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Hindu murtis destroyed, church goers quizzed.

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This is utterly ridiculous as violent conflicts against ones belief can create rifts in human relations, among multiple other problems. It is staggering to perceive that citizens of a civilized society could conceive and perpetrate acts that desecrates someone's religious beliefs.Religious tragedies against the Hindu community could foster far-reaching implications, especially in a multi-ethnic, cultural and religious community.History have shown that violence contributes to multiple forms of retardation and underdevelopment resulting from the destruction of lives and property. I believe religious freedom is necessary for a prosperous society and also the economy, so therefore such heinous actions should be condoned.

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Self-evaluation thoughts on contents of coarse material.

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Self-evaluation thoughts on contents of coarse material.

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Initially at the start of this coarse I had a very strong lingering feeling of disgust, frustration and total lack of interest for its content. However as time progressed I developed an appreciation for its content. I gained valuable knowledge of the Caribbean, its diaspora, history, cultural diversity. Acquisition of this knowledge allowed me to form an identity, which can be attributed to certain beliefs, religions, customs and social values. It provided an immediate sense of togetherness, that allowed me to appreciate and understand previous generations and their historical impact onto society.

Closer analysis of the coarse content allowed deeper insight within aspects of cultural heritage. It made me aware that culture is part of us and around us. Cultural heritage is seen in archaeological remains, agriculture, literature, artifacts, architecture, music, food, clothing, religions, arts and craft. Furthermore at the completion of this coarse, I have vastly improved my knowledge of the Caribbean, and by extension its people and their attributes. It has also eradicated negative feelings and thoughts of the coarse content, and replaced it with a very deep and strong appreciation for its subject matter and also people within society.

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Pie Chart representing the various ethnic fractions within Trinidad and Tobago.

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Pie Chart representing the various ethnic fractions within Trinidad and Tobago.

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The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. It has a population of approximately 1.4 million that comprises of ethnic and cultural origins stretching back to Europe, China, India, Africa and the Middle East. This vibrant diversity is apparent in the exotic appearance of its citizens, the wide array of our cuisine, scores of multiple religious festivals, music and arts ant cultu

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Historical link to colonialism of Chaguanas.

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Historical link to colonialism of Chaguanas.

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The Borough of Chaguanas is located in Central Trinidad and is one of the oldest settlements which predates Spanish imperialism. Originally it was named Chaguanes, after the indigenous populous that resided. It was until British imperialism in 1797 when Chaguanas came into consciousness. Based on the high fertility content of the soil, the area was transformed into an agrarian  society. Here several large estates came into being; Felicite and Woodford Lodge, which transformed it into an agricultural centre. Because of the abolition of slavery in 1833, and Chaguanas’s ignored existence under Spanish imperialism British interference played a major part in colonialism within this region.

Since commerce was the main driving force within this era it lead to the creation of an agrarian society, with a mono-cultured  crop, sugarcane that revolutionized Chaguanas. Due to sugarcane necessitated plantation agriculture with continuous growth and harvest periods and the abolition of slavery, a new source of labour was needed that comprised of indentured Indians.

East Indian labors first arrived on the shores of Trinidad on the Fath al Razack on Friday 30th May, 1845 with two hundred and twentyfive labours. This marked the beginning of a system of immigration that was to continue, until its practice was deemed illegal in 1917. There was a continuous influx of labour until the abolition of  indentured contracts. During this period approximately one hundred fortyseven thousand and six hundred indentured labors arrived in Trinidad, with the majority primarily employed within the various sugar estates. Due to these actions of the British, over three quarters of Chaguanas population is of Indian ancestry.

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"Culture is defined as a social domain that emphasizes the practices, discourses, and material expressions, which, over time, express the continuities and discontinuities of social meaning of a life held in common," example Afro-Caribbean culture and Indo-Caribbean culture. Caribbean culture is a body of learned behaviours synonymous to the Caribbean that explains the musical, culinary, artistic, political, literary and social elements that are representative of its populous .The Caribbean ‘s culture has historically been influenced by that of  European imperialism, slavery, plantation estates, eradication of aboriginal populous and the multi-ethnicity of the inhabitants. Also due to its close proximity to the United States of America, linguistic and economic factors attributed to the nation heavily influenced the Caribbean .The Caribbean consists of a proliferation of several cultures which allows in-depth analysis into ones coexistence and living interactions with others. Knowledge obtained from these systems aids in the analysis of Caribbean culture and cultural expressions.

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Education is the process of attaining knowledge, skills, habits, values and beliefs, or the aiding of learning.

Firstly education gave me an identity, by allowing the attaining of the necessary skills required for gaining meaningful employment. This allowed for the creation of an identity solely based on the form of employment ones enroll in, example I once had an identity as a plant operator.

Geographic origin delves directly into the focal point of ones cultural and ethnic origins. Understanding of ones ancestral origins creates and shapes an identity or feeling of belonging to a particular fraction.It distinguishes individuals by religion, generation and ethnicity. Knowing of our geographical origins creates awareness of ourselves and our universe. It further allows the flourishing of ones cultural identity or forging  of one which gives precedent for change or actual reform.

Gender pertains to a range of characteristics that differentiates between masculinity and femininity. Gender created identities are developed throughout life. This form of identity characterizes the way individuals think, reason and creates opinion. Gender identity is heavily influenced by ones family and aspirations.

Gender identities has allowed me to create a persona that is masculine in nature, which is attributed to the following  characteristics ; honest, high integrity,  compassionate, benevolent, empathy, willing to sacrifice, maintaining self control, co-operative and pursuing excellence.

Political identity involves political affiliations based solely on interests and perspectives of social groups within society, that are identified by its members, example United National Congress, People's National Movement and Congress Of The People. This identity given is a direct representation of the views, aspirations, ideology and inspiration of the political party. I support the COP and as a member it identifies me of having there views on the economy.

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What forms of cultural expressions exists within your country?

Diwali (Divali, Deepavali) is a major annual Hindu festival of lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated globally within such countries as India, Guyana, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago.

During this auspicious period the homes, temples and environs (within some regions) are adorned with lit diyas ( a small bowl shaped oil lamp, usually crafted from clay, with a cotton wick submerged in ghee, coconut oil, wax or vegetable oils.

This religious festival, encompasses a five day period, however the main festive night is attributed with the darkest new moon night of the Hindu calendar  (Hindu Lunisular) in the month of Kartika, which spans from anywhere between mid- October to mid - November. As Diwali approaches a lot of significant preparations are undertaken, such as cleaning of homes, beautifying of places of worship, hosting of pray rituals and abstaining of meat.

Existing information from Katha Upanishad and San Skrit texts notes that Diwali dates back to ancient times in India, during the first part of the 1st millennium BC. Here it was celebrated as a festival after the summer harvest in the Hindu calendar month of Kartika. At its eve of conception within the region of India Diwali was associated with the legend of Yama and Nachikea, which also revolved around the lifting of spiritual darkness. Here the diyas represents the sun, the cosmic entity of light and sustenance to all life, who manifests in the month of Kartic.

There is a vast variation of the religious significance of Diwali within India, and by extension globally, depending on the various aspects of Hindu philosophy, mythology and belief. Due to this fact  Diwali has manifested tremendously. These manifestations  includes the honoring of different deities (Lakshmi, Krishna, Kali).

Within Trinidad and Tobago Diwali is one of the most anticipated festival that symbolizes the lifting of spiritual darkness. Its celebration embodies the mythology of Hindu philosophy; importance of knowledge, self-inquiry, self-advancement and righteous perseverance, forgiveness and compassion to others. Basically it signifies that good ultimately triumphs over evil. These philosophies binds and cements the various groups within society as it sheds light on the reaffirmation of hope, with renewed commitment to good will and friendship. This unity is seen by the participation of the multi-ethnic community at scores of functions within various sectors such as private, commerce, and industrial. It is also observed at educational institutions, government agencies and as guests at Hindu homes at Diwali.

Due to the festivals imprint on society, it is declared a public holiday, which is shared by everyone. Within Trinidad the celebrations have a distinct impact onto society, as data from the headquarters of the National Council of Indian Culture shows that its week long celebration has guests from every ethnic background within society.