DEEPAVALI is essentially Maha Lakshmi puja. Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of light is the source of material and spiritual prosperity. She emerged from the churning of the ocean (saagar mathan) in response to a cosmic crisis and her inherent radiance dispelled the darkness which threatened the world.

Deepavali is observed on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik or Amawasya (new moon) and has shifted from the confines of our homes and mandirs and is celebrated by our nation.

Everyone is engulfed in the spirit of camaraderie and fraternity as greetings are extended and sweets are shared with friends and families.

As we engage in Maha Lakshmi Puja and we light our diyas let us understand the true significance of Deepavali which is that of rekindling the inner light of divinity within ourselves in triumph over the negative tendencies and qualities.

The radiance of that inner light once found will shine as brilliantly as that emanating from the thousands of diyas which twinkle from every nook and corner of our country on Deepavali day. Deepavali dispels darkness in all its forms and ushers in the light of wisdom, knowledge and spiritual exaltation. Let us observe this festival in its pristine form and resist all attempts to desecrate its observance.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha wishes to sincerely thank all those who supported, sponsored and participated in its countrywide Deepavali Motorcades this year as the Sabha celebrated forty years of this magnificent tradition which was the vision of its founder Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.

President of the Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud wishes to thank all the Praants of the Sabha for their superb organisation of motorcades and rangoli competitions and extends Deepavali greetings to the entire Dharmic family and the Guyanese nation. She also with the greatest humility extends heartfelt thanks to the thousands of Guyanese who throng the roadways year after year for a glimpse of the fantastic floats.
She urges all to let the message of Deepavali be perpetuated beyond the day and that we continue to live in the spirit of unity and harmony with respect and understanding of each other’s beliefs, customs and traditions. May Maha Lakshmi continue to richly bless our people and our beautiful country with prosperity, productivity, spiritual upliftment, solutions to its challenges and continued development in every sphere. Deepavali ka Shubh Kaamnayea from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.