New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc., Humanitarian Mission
ON behalf of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir, Inc., Humanitarian Mission and its Guyana Chapter, I am pleased to extend Shubh Deepavali – Deepavali Greeting to all my Hindu brothers and sisters in Guyana and across the globe on the occasion of Deepavali, and at this time we must renew our commitment to think of all those less fortunate individuals especially the sick, the invalid, the abused, the less fortunate children and our seniors. A significant event in the Hindu religious calendar, Deepavali celebrates prosperity and spreads the light of wisdom.

It symbolises the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance and prayer for hope and optimism, expressing the highest desires of mankind and wishes one and all joy, happiness and prosperity and for us as Hindus, to recognize its outmost significance with devotion.

Despite the diversity in Hindu rituals, practices and beliefs, Deepavali binds all Hindus and non Hindu together.

Diwali, which is known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and is a time when people are brought together to strengthen the hand of goodwill across religions, races and creed. The Diwali Festival brings a message of unity and it is a time for families and communities to unite in the spirit to spread a meaningful dialogue and shared respect amongst all citizens, other individuals and people of different faiths. In celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, Diwali compels people to reflect on the importance of knowledge over ignorance and invites people to apply this message in their personal and public lives.

I urge all Hindus to assist in lighting the lamp of divine knowledge and to dispel ignorance and darkness from our personalities such as hate, jealousy, malice, anger and pride, etc., on this Diwali and to encourage harmony in our efforts to bring peace amongst the different cultures and promote collaborative action to make our society a better place where everyone respects religious freedom and to live in peace and harmony.

Being a unifying force, the devotions at Deepavali would seek to encourage greater unity, amity and understanding among all people, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, class distinctions. On this noble day let us reaffirm our commitment to unite every human hearts in our community and build a stronger society where everybody could live in peace, harmony, dignity and freedom, and serve each other with love.

And may there be an end to all human suffering on this auspicious occasion of Diwali, let us pray for our leaders here in the United States and Guyana in confronting the many challenges of our time, may God bless each one of them with the wisdom and strength necessary to lead our nation, to peace, security and prosperity and may God’s guidance and protective presence be always with them.

May the lamps of love and sincerity burn brightly in your hearts, may the light of understanding shine in your minds, may the light of harmony glow in your home, may the bright rays of service shine forth ceaselessly from your hands. May your smile, your words, and your actions be as sweet as the sweets of this festive season.

May Maha Lakshmi bring you the true wealth of peace, health, happiness, and love for all of Gods creation. May the spirit of Deepavali, the ‘Festival of Lights’ illuminate every darkness in every human heart. Let us all Burn like Diyas – Giving light and Life to Others, and then we can truly say that we are celebrating the festival of Light (Deepavali).