THE spirit of unity, togetherness and cultural celebration filled Anna Regina on Friday evening as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), Essequibo Coast Praant, hosted its Annual Deep Jale, marking the commencement of activities leading up to the Hindu festival of lights, Deepavali.
The seventh annual event attracted a large gathering of residents, religious leaders, youths and supporters, who came together to celebrate the significance of light, hope and the triumph of good over evil.
A major attraction was an impressive structure featuring Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, conceptualised and constructed by members of the Essequibo Coast Dharmic Naujawan, the youth arm of the Praant.
The beautifully illuminated structure was erected in front of the Anna Regina Town Council compound, where it will remain until Deepavali, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to take photographs while adding to the festive atmosphere of the township.
The symbolic diya was lit by the Office Manager of Agrobest/Morning Glory Inc., Indrawattie Natram, assisted by Praant members. The lighting ceremony was followed by a cultural programme featuring several dance troupes and talented youths from across the region.
Addressing the gathering, a Praant member, Mahindra Sharma, highlighted the importance of Deepavali in promoting unity, peace and togetherness among people of different backgrounds.
He described Deepavali as a festival that brings immeasurable joy, peace and happiness, while encouraging individuals to kindle within themselves the burning flame of divinity.
“Let us kindle that burning flame of unity,” Mohan urged, while encouraging residents to embrace togetherness and continue celebrating the cultural diversity that makes Guyana unique.
President of the Essequibo Coast Praant, Pandit Kaydar Persaud, explained the significance of the Deep Jale initiative, noting that the concept was introduced by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha several years ago to bring communities together in the spirit of the festival.
He explained that the initiative provides an opportunity for people from different communities and regions to congregate, celebrate and share in the message of light.
Pandit Persaud used the occasion to extend pre-Diwali greetings to everyone and encouraged residents to actively participate in the various activities planned by the Praant as the festival approaches.
Meanwhile, Office Manager of Agrobest/Morning Glory Inc., Indrawattie Natram, said the company was pleased to partner with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in hosting the annual Deep Jale.
Natram noted that Morning Glory Inc. operates within the Anna Regina township and believes in giving back to the very community in which its factory is established.
She explained that the sponsorship forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts and its commitment to supporting community development, cultural preservation and activities that bring people together.
At the conclusion of the programme, members of the gathering were presented with packs of Morning Glory cereal.
The annual Deep Jale continues to serve as an important platform for cultural expression, youth participation and community engagement on the Essequibo Coast.
The Praant’s upcoming activities include its Annual Inter-Secondary School Rangoli Competition, scheduled for November 4, 2026, at the Abram Zuil Secondary School, followed by its Grand Diwali Motorcade on November 5, 2026, commencing at the Anna Regina Car Park.
