THE Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh-Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) will be hosting its annual “National Diya Light-up” on the evening of Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Rahaman’s Park.
The first National Diya was lit in 2015 at the same location and had illuminated the entire area, ushering in the period of Diwali.

According to the HSS, the event will mark the fifth consecutive National Diya of Guyana and, as usual, will be attended by heads of leading Hindu and other religious organisations, young leaders and the public.

Apart from the spectacular display of the National Diya, there will be a cultural evening of dances, skits and music to portray the significance of the national holiday. This event will commence at 18:00hrs and conclude at 20:00hrs.

The period of Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. Diwali literally means a row of lights. It is a time filled with light and love, a time when Hindus all over the world rejoice. It is the darkest night of the darkest period, yet it is a celebration of light. Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil.

The meaning of Diwali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are innumerable. Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s glorious and long -waited return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after his fourteen years of exile in the forests. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon, Narakaasura, who had kidnapped and terrorised the Gopis of Vrindavan.

It is also celebrated as the day Lord Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi. Diwali is also associated with the story of the fall of Bali – a demon king who was defeated by Lord Vishnu. In general, Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, and of light over darkness.
“However, Diwali is not a festival of lights in order that we may burn candles, fireworks and sparklers. Sure, these are wonderful ways of expressing our gaiety. But, it is not the only or true meaning of ‘light’. Diwali is a festival of the light which dispels the darkness of our ignorance; it is a festival of the light which shows us the way on our journey through life,” said HSS.

In that regard, the theme for this year’s National Diya light-up is: “The light from within dispelling the darkness across Guyana.”

The purpose is not to glorify the light of the lamp or the firecracker. The purpose is to glorify the light of god.

“The light of Diwali should be within us. It should symbolise the personal relationship between God and us. Let the light penetrate inward, for only then will it have lasting benefit. A piece of cotton soaked in ghee, lit with a pure heart, a conscious mind and a desire to be free from ignorance is far brighter than 100 expensive deepaks (lamps).

“As we clean our homes, let’s clean our minds and intellects too. As we wear new clothes, let’s also get rid of our old, unwanted, disturbing habits of anger, jealousy, worry… and emerge our new but original qualities of peace, love, bliss and happiness. We will settle our old account books and begin new ones, simultaneously let us settle our old karmic accounts, any unpleasant relationships and begin our relationships in a new, positive way,” said HSS.

The HSS organisation urged Guyanese to celebrate Diwali in a responsible way, together.