…in inaugural ceremony
President Bharrat Jagdeo lit Guyana’s National Diya for the first time last evening, as the country prepares to usher in Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with its message of peace and knowledge pervading the atmosphere.
During this auspicious event, the Head of State urged the entire nation not to focus on symbolisms of the festival, but to concentrate instead on the significance of the occasion, and to apply the values taught, in their daily lives.
He said: “In the contemporary world, the lessons of Diwali, and the symbols of the diya and the concept of light and goodness, have to be translated into modern-day realities and modern day values and virtues to mean something.”
President Jagdeo congratulated Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad for arranging the auspicious event, which he acknowledged will now be added to the country’s list of calendar events.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, members of the diplomatic corps and other government officials joined the scores of spectators at the Kitty Seawall for the inaugural ceremony of lighting Guyana’s National Diya.
Diwali will be celebrated on October 26 with a series of planned commemorative activities, including the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual countrywide motorcades beginning this evening.
On October 25, the biggest motorcade will be held at the LBI Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara, where some $3 million in prizes will be up for grabs in the large, small and commercial categories of floats.

President Bharrat Jagdeo lighting Guyana’s National Diya in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Mrs. Yvonne Hinds; Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad; Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, and other guests gathered at the Kitty Seawall last evening. (Adrian Narine photo)