By Indrawattie Natram
IT has been 181 years since the Indian Ancestors stepped foot on the shores of Guyana. Travelling with them were their traditions and customs that are still preserved in Guyana by the Hindu community. Emerging from their traditions was the festival of Diwali that is proudly celebrated in Guyana by all Guyanese.

According to President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the festival was brought to the shores of Guyana by the Indian ancestors and is still practised by the younger generations. She was at the time addressing hundreds of Essequibians at the Sabha Annual Diwali Motorcade held on October 18 at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. Speaking on the auspicious occasion Dr. Persaud said Diwali, the brightest festival, is celebrated throughout Guyana with much zest and pomp. She said the occasion marks the illumination of one’s inner self and the riddance of negativity. The festival teaches mankind to destroy the dark desires and thoughts and to have a deeper inner illumination of self- reflection. She added at the Sabha level, Inter-Secondary School Rangoli and Motorcades countrywide were planned to coincide with the festival. The Sabha’s President, therefore, used the opportunity to extend Diwali Greetings to all of Guyana.

Significance of Diwali
Speaking on the significance was President of the Essequibo Coast Praant of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Pandit Kaydar Persaud. Pandit Persaud said Diwali means a row of lights and is celebrated on the 15th Day of the Hindu month of Kartik. It is known as the darkest night and as such the Goddess Lakshmi who is the giver of health, wealth and prosperity, is adored.

Pandit Persaud, who is the religious leader for many Mandirs in Region Two, said that the festival is celebrated during a five-day period. The first day is referred to as Dhanteras (day of fortune), the second day is Naraka Chaturdasi (day of knowledge), the third as the day of light; the fourth day as Annakut which is the New Year and fifth day Bhai Dui, a day when brothers and sisters renew their love.
Pandit explained that the story surrounding Diwali is the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile. To welcome him diyas were lit in the pathway; as such the festival has gained its significance.

“Diwali is a celebration of prosperity, it gives us strength to carry on our work with goodwill for the rest of the year, it’s a new year and thus persons are given the opportunity to prosper throughout the year,” Pandit said.

Celebrations
In Guyana before the celebration, residents clean their houses before the observance of the festival. Many females shop for new clothes, jewellery and, utensils. On the day itself, rangoli is made in the entrance of the home and diyas are lit along the doorways. Vegetarian meals and sweetmeats are prepared on the day as well. These are shared with family and relatives. A ‘puja’ – a religious ceremony- in honour of Goddess Lakshmi is performed by families before the grand lighting up. After families are finished with the lighting up then they walk around the villages exchanging Diwali greetings with each other. Special services are also conducted at various temples in observance of the celebration.
Shubh Diwali to all of Guyana!!