Diwali, the festival of lights
A GINA feature by Sandhya Matturah
November 10, 2004
Every year, on the night of Diwali many families celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed and thousands of diyas lit to create a world of fantasy. Of all the festivals celebrated by Hindus, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important.
Enthusiastically celebrated by Guyanese of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity.
On the dark night of Diwali, the entrances to all homes are lit up and decorated with rangoli patterns to welcome Lakshmi, the radiant consort of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth and lustre.
The traditional motifs are often linked with auspicious symbols of good luck. Oil diyas are arranged in and around the house. Because of these flickering lamps, the festival has acquired its name: Deepavali or Diwali meaning `rows of lamps'.
Every year, millions of diyas are lit, welcoming the mother of light and prosperity, Lakshmi into many homes. The lighting of diyas represents the radiance of knowledge, wisdom and friendship which prevail over greed, jealousy, lust, anger, ego, and laziness.
President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud said people around the world pray for a better life but they do not confine their prayers to material wealth.
He said Diwali reminds celebrants that a light exists in all of us, but this has to be manifested.
He also said the message is that one must find that light within and share his knowledge with others, so that everyone can rise out of darkness to the light, from insufficiency to sufficiency, from hate, ill will and jealousy, to love, affection, harmony and understanding.
Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud said Diwali attacks ignorance, assaults darkness, and moves towards creating a positive world in which people act positively and work constructively for a better world.
He said Diwali therefore, has universal connotations and appeal. Its message and lessons are open to all humanity through fundamental means.
The message is not the monopoly of the Hindus. It belongs to all humanity and it is offered to all to improve their lives and to construct a society in which all Guyanese can live happily and in harmony.
For this reason Guyanese of all religious persuasions participate in Diwali, assembling at the Seawall every year, on the eve of Diwali, to see the beautifully decorated vehicles at the Diwali motorcade.
The Diwali motorcade is now celebrated in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo where persons with the best decorated vehicles win cash prizes. Several cultural actives are also held by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.
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