THE Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana (IRO) has taken a neutral stance amidst the national controversy generated over the day designated for the 2015 Diwali celebrations. In harmony with its mission to foster religious cohesion and to unify all Guyanese, the IRO wishes all Hindus a happy Diwali on whichever day they would celebrate it.
“We would like to express our best wishes to all in the Hindu community, on the eve of their Diwali celebrations, on their most recognised holy day,” IRO Chairman Reverend Ronald McGarrell said.
The IRO was invited by some concerned Hindus to make a statement on the controversy. Since the executives do not hold any expertise in the beliefs of Hinduism, they therefore cannot take a stance on a preferred date, as expected of some in the community.
This controversy arose after the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha had announced that the celebrations should be held on November 11, 2015. Their reason was that Diwali, which occurs annually on Amawasya or the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, is the 15th Tithi in the dark half of Kartik, and is the darkest night of the year.
According to the Panchang/Patra, this occurs on November 11.
This belief is in contrast with that of the Viraat Sabhaa, which argues that Pradosh Kaal, Nisheet and Mahaa Nischeet Kaal (all being auspicious times) are present on November 10.
This organisation has recommended that the relevant authorities in the government set up a multi-religious committee in which a calendar of activities for religious organisations can be determined.

“I’m calling upon the administration to set up a calendar of activities and observances, so that no one organisation can prevail in these instances,” posited Pandit Deodat Tillack.
This recommendation was made so as to avoid any future anomalies of this nature. The committee can decide when religious holidays should be celebrated, even a year prior to the actual date, and even if it should be done by rotation.
The IRO wishes all Hindus a Happy Diwali on whichever day they may wish to celebrate it, and says it continues to work together to foster harmony among and across all groups.