On Thursday, 23rd October, Hindus across the globe will be celebrating Deepavali or Divali, the festival of lights. Divali, which is derived from a sanskrit word meaning “row of lights”, originated in Ancient India. According to the Hindu epic poem “The Ramayana” when lord Rama returned to Ayodha (his native village) after fourteen years of exile, the inhabitants celebrated his return by the lighting of deeyas (little clay oil lamps). The festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, Divali reminds us all, Hindus and non-Hindus alike, to have faith in God, and indeed faith in one another as on the night, thousands of deeyas are lit, and collectively serve to illuminate the darkest night of the year.
Divali, as any other celebration of its kind, takes much preparation, including cleansing your mind, body and spirit, as well as homes and surroundings. Typically, Divali is observed over a five day period, with the main festivities occurring on the third day, during which, Pujas (religious ceremonies) are conducted to praise Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of health wealth and prosperity, followed by dining with friends and family on specially-made sweets and the finest Indian cuisine. The festivities culminates in lighting of thousands of deeyas, and the expression of one’s love for God and all that’s Good, with prayer, song and dance throughout the night.
In Trinidad, it is no different, as the Hindu diaspora preserved the ancient traditions well throughout the centuries. It is remarkable that in this rainbow-colored Nation with only 25% practicing Hindus, Divali is celebrated by almost 100% of the populous in one way or another. Such is the appeal of Divali, as its essence, ideals of love, righteousness, enlightenment, bliss and harmony, can be appreciated by all regardless of religion or culture.
Therefore, Divali is not only the Hindu festival of Lights, but the World’s Festival of Enlightenment.
Shubh Divali to one and all.
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