-says PM Nagamootoo, as ICT ushers in Diwali celebrations

AS the festival of light, Diwali, draws closer, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties as President, urged Guyanese to see diversity as their strength.
“We are a diverse population and we have to see that as our strength,” said Nagamootoo during a short message at the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT)’s Diwali Programme, on Saturday.

He said Diwali is a time when there is peace among relatives, friends, families and neighbours, but he believes that it should not stop there. Nagamootoo encouraged persons to spread the message of peace and show that it is possible for everyone to live together harmoniously, irrespective of their cultural background, ethnicity and so forth.
“We all grew up in Guyana, as Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and so on, but we always celebrate together.

“Diwali signifies light over darkness, good over evil and so, as we reflect on Mother Lakshmi, we must reflect on our own lives and look at how much more we can bring into our home,” said Acting President, Nagamootoo.
As a prelude to the celebration of the festival of lights, which will be celebrated locally on October 27, there was the lighting of a symbolic Diya and a number of cultural performances.

There were dance performances by the Nadira and Indranie Shaw Dance Troupe, the Nach Gaana Academy of Dance, the Roshini Boodhoo Group and a solo performance from Pankhuri Srivastava

Persons were also given a glimpse of some of the majestic Indian wear, during a Lehenga display which was organised by Chandra’s Indian Fashion House.
The performances and displays left the audience mesmerised and eager to celebrate the holy festival of Diwali.

The period of Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. Diwali literally means a row of lights. It is a time filled with light and love, a time when Hindus all over the world rejoice. It is the darkest night of the darkest period, yet it is a celebration of light. Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil.

The meaning of Diwali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are innumerable. Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s glorious and long-waited return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after his fourteen years of exile in the forests. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon, Narakaasura, who had kidnapped and terrorised the Gopis of Vrindavan.

It is also celebrated as the day Lord Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi. Diwali is also associated with the story of the fall of Bali – a demon king who was defeated by Lord Vishnu. In general, Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, and of light over darkness.