Hindu body lights first national diya
Some of the leaders in the Hindu and Indian community behind the ‘big diya’
Some of the leaders in the Hindu and Indian community behind the ‘big diya’

THE Hindu Swayamsevkar Sangh (HSS) Guyana yesterday lit the first ever national diya at Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara, to signify the beginning of the festival of lights.A section of Guyana’s Hindu population, however, is geared for the celebration of the festival on November 10th and some on the 11th.

A section of the gathering at Rahaman’s Park, Huston, East Bank Demerara at the lighting of the national diya last evening (Samuel Maughn photo)
A section of the gathering at Rahaman’s Park, Huston, East Bank Demerara at the lighting of the national diya last evening (Samuel Maughn photo)

Nevertheless, in a colourful and religious event at Rahaman’s Park, Houston, the Hindu organisation brought on stream the first ever national diya, one which was recognised and lauded by Pandit Ravi Maharaj of Trinidad, former Minister of Housing Irfaan Ali, former judge, Justice Nandram Kissoon, along with several other distinguished guests and Hindus from all walks of life.
The Guyana Hindu Sabha has been advocating for the festival to be celebrated on November 11. A Representative from the Dharmic Sabha said last evening that regardless of which day Hindus choose to celebrate the festival of lights, they should do so with a clean heart and with an open mind.
Basically in their remarks, the speakers last evening explained the true meaning of Diwali, noting that it is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.
The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The festival usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, although this is decided upon by the Hindu lunar calendar. While each faith has its own reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon king Ravanna.

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