AS Guyana joins the rest of the world in celebrating the Festival of Lights today, it is worth pausing to reflect on the deeper meaning of Diwali beyond the shimmering diyas and the spectacular displays of light.

Diwali, or Deepavali, is not merely a festival, it is a spiritual reminder, a moral compass and a call to humanity to confront darkness, both within and around us.

This sacred celebration, observed on the darkest night of the year, brings with it a timeless message: the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

The flame of each diya represents more than beauty; it symbolises the light of wisdom, compassion and truth that must guide our actions and illuminate the dim corners of our minds and hearts.

Too often, the essence of Diwali is lost in the glitz of its celebration. The sweets, music and gatherings are joyous; yes, but they are secondary to the festival’s true significance. Diwali is not only about what is seen; it is about what is felt. It is an invitation to cleanse our minds of selfishness, greed and envy  and to cultivate kindness, generosity and humility.

In Hindu philosophy, Diwali is a process of both physical and spiritual renewal. In the days leading up to it: homes are scrubbed clean, symbolising the purification of the body and environment. The fasts and prayers of Navratri and Dussehra that precede Diwali prepare devotees for introspection, sacrifice, and spiritual awakening. This is a time to reflect, give thanks and renew one’s commitment to righteousness and empathy.

This year’s celebrations take on renewed significance. The return of motorcades, concerts and open-door hospitality marks not just a cultural revival, but the rekindling of community spirit, an embodiment of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana vision. From government ministries to private homes, the glow of diyas will light pathways of unity and belonging.

Yet, beyond the festivities, Diwali’s message urges us to make the triumph of light a daily pursuit. Every act of honesty, every gesture of compassion and every effort to uplift another human being is a diya lit in the darkness of our times. The real victory of Diwali lies not in a single night of illumination, but in our continued effort to replace vices with virtues, every day, in every heart and across every community.

Let this Diwali not end with the last spark of a diya. Let it continue as a movement of light in our homes, our nation, and our souls.