THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Essequibo Coast Praant, on Sunday evening hosted its fourth annual Deep Jale to kick off Region Two’s Diwali celebrations.

A huge three-piece structure which was put together by the youth arm of the Essequibo Coast Dharmic Naujawan was erected in front of the Anna Regina Town Council compound and will be there until Deepavali – the Festival of Lights.

The symbolic diya was lit by the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud. This was followed by the cultural programme which was sponsored by Morning Glory Inc., a cereal-making company based in the region.

Addressing the large gathering, Dr. Persaud, who is also the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, said that the festival is one that brings immeasurable joy, peace and happiness to everyone and also kindles burning flames of divinity within us.

Dr Vindhya Persaud explained that “Deep” means light and “Jale” means light. She said that they were conceptualised some years ago because she felt it was necessary for communities to congregate and for persons to come together from the length and breadth of Guyana.

“We should usher in the festival of Diwali with a feeling of devotion and faith in everything so that when Diwali arrives, mentally we would be in that state of mind already to offer our entire being at the altar of Maha Lakshmi,” Dr Persaud said.

She said that the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s calendar of events got started at the Palmyra Heritage site.

According to her, the Hindu organisation has an extensive calendar of events to usher in Diwali. This will include the Deep Jale motorcade and Rangoli competitions.

“I am very pleased that wherever the Dharmic family is, these traditions continue across the country and the tradition is endured and sustained over the years.”

President of the Essequibo Coast Praant Pandit Kaydar Persaud used the opportunity to wish everyone pre-Diwali greetings and said it is his desire for persons to get involved and be a part of every Diwali activity that was planned.

Meanwhile, Office Manager of Morning Glory Inc Indrawattie Natram said that the company is happy to partner with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha to host Deep Jale for the second year.

Natram said that the factory is located within the township and the hosting of the event is all part of giving back to the community.

At the end of the programme, each attendee received a pack of Morning Glory cereal.

Parsaram Singh represented the Mayor of Anna Regina and in his brief remarks, he said that the council welcomed the partnership with the Hindu organisation.

Several dance troupes and youths from across the region performed cultural items.

The next activity for the Praant is the annual motorcade which is slated for November 9.