GUYANA has established a very good tradition of celebrating various religious holidays calendared by its multi-ethnic background, according to Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony.
Addressing an opening ceremony Friday to usher in the ‘Festival of Lights’ at the Culture Ministry’s Main Street premises, Dr. Anthony said that over the years, the Culture Ministry has been commendably playing a significant role in these observances.
“We have established a very good tradition, and through the ministry, we need to celebrate our diverse backgrounds. And I believe that we have been leading the way in this,” he said.
The minister explained that Diwali should be celebrated by the lighting of lamps or diyas both inside and outside of the home so as to banish whatever darkness may be plaguing the occupants’ lives.  

A glimpse at what transpired Friday at the Ministry of Culture’s pre-Diwali celebrations

He encouraged persons to let that action inform the conduct of their lives, because people should not only shed light in their homes, but also in their hearts, communities, and country to expel the dark things that may be surrounding them.
“As we celebrate this occasion, we must also think about what we can do for our communities, thus making our country a better place by ensuring we do good (things to and for) people,” he stated.   
Also speaking at the event was the Culture Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, who said the ministry’s aim in participating in these various festivals is to fulfil its mandate by promoting and fostering an ongoing tradition of the various religions in Guyana.
King said persons should not only celebrate a holiday for the reason that there is one, but should use the universal message as a building block for themselves and the country.
“Diwali is about good over evil. (If) we can consider this universal message, we are bound to overcome the negatives in our country,” King explained.
He said that each person can contribute to making the world a better place by striving to achieve one common goal, and if this is done, there will be a better tomorrow for everyone.
The ministry will be working harder to promote cultural diversity in the country, he disclosed.
This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 26, but weeks before the actual day, people clean their homes thoroughly, fast, and prepare for Lakshmi Puja.
Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity, light and wisdom, is worshipped at Diwali time.
A puja, or worship, is done by all family members in Hindu homes on Diwali Night prior to lighting the diyas.
Diwali is observed over a five-day period, and two days preceding Diwali, diyas are lit to pray for longevity and to recognise the victory of Lord Krishna over the despot Narakasur.        
Many Hindus would also attend their mandirs (temples) on Diwali Day. Mandirs are scattered throughout the country, and worshippers can easily attend special Diwali pujas wherever they find themselves on that day.
Homes are artistically and tastefully decorated for Diwali with brightly coloured decorations hung from doorways.
Intricately designed rangolis (coloured tracings with rice and flour) conspicuously placed in yards or entrances would greet visitors as they visit homes to exchange sweets and gifts. The traditional motifs used are considered auspicious and decorative.
The celebrations hold special significance for the people of Guyana, and the distribution of sweets signifies the importance of serving and sharing; whereas an exchange of greeting cards denotes the goodwill each has for the other.
The sweets distributed mainly consist of pera, barfi, and kheer. For the people of Guyana, the tradition of wearing new cloths is significant, especially in this festival. They believe that wearing new cloths symbolises healthy souls in healthy bodies.
Cleaning homes and keeping them well illuminated inside and outside is a practice meant to illuminate the road for Goddess Lakshmi, so that when the goddess visits their homes she faces no problem with light, as Diwali Night is regarded the darkest night of the year.
This day marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Light over Darkness, and it ushers in the New Year.