THE City of Mississauga in Ontario, Canada, came alive last Friday evening with a spectacular Diwali motorcade, lighting of the official diyas and a Hindu traditional cultural show, which Guyana’s Honorary Consul, Mani Singh, described as reminiscent of the national festivities back home in Guyana.

Honorary Consul Singh, who was invited to light the diyas and bring greetings and remarks on behalf of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana, spoke of Guyana being an example to the world with six distinct races, practising six different religions, and co-existing in peace and harmony with the single objective of development, progress and prosperity as ‘One Guyana’.

Additionally, three of Guyana’s six religions each enjoy two national holidays annually, and all Guyanese celebrate these occasions in their various communities in a spirit of inclusivity, tolerance, and mutual respect for each other, Mr. Singh told the large gathering.

The event, called ‘Divali Nagar Canada’, and sub-themed ‘just like back home’, was held at the Mississauga’s Ram Mandir, led by spiritual leader Pandit Roopnauth (Paul) Sharma in association with Ms. Vashti Doorga of Doorga Entertainment and attended mainly by members of the Guyanese, Trinidadian and Indian diasporas.

Among the dignitaries celebrating the Festival of Lights, in observance of good over evil or light over darkness, were MPs, MPPs, Regional & City Councillors of Canada, members of the Caribbean Diplomatic Corps and leaders of the religious and business communities.

The Divali Nagar commenced with a small but beautifully lit and decorated motorcade entering the compound of the Mississauga Ram Mandir accompanied by magnificent costumes depicting Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Light and Prosperity and other Hindu Dieties.

The night of fun and celebration included the crowning of the Diwali Queen, best children’s deity costume, indoor and outdoor food and other booths, traditional dances and musical renditions by internationally-recognised musicians and performers from Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago and prizes for the best dressed individual and couple.