GUYANESE yesterday celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, with the lighting of diyas and the sharing of sweet meats.
The diyas, with their little lights, illuminated the houses, which is spiritually significant, signifying the victory of light over darkness; knowledge over ignorance; good over evil and hope over despair.
Many houses were lit with rows of diyas from as early as 18:00hrs as the celebration of the festival unfolded with some families performing their Lakshmi puja before the lighting ceremony. Throughout various villages and streets in
All pay keen attention to the dance moves by the Jewan Ka Nritya dance troupe, including President Donald Ramotar; First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar and their son; Prime Minister Mr Samuel Hinds; Education Minister, Ms Priya Manickchand; Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran; and Housing Minister, Mr Irfaan Ali
The Jewan Ka Nritya Dance troupe during one of their riveting performances
Georgetown, persons were seen with trays of diyas decorating their homes with the little ones also getting involved.
Speaking with this reporter at their homes on the East Bank of Demerara, many residents related that persons over the years have sought to make “work easy” by using fairy lights instead of the traditional diyas. Mrs Narine, from Eccles, noted that since in her “young days as a little girl” to present, she lights her clay- made diyas. Another resident told the Guyana Chronicle that this is her favourite time in the Hindu calendar and what she likes the most “is the togetherness it fosters with all Guyanese.”
Also taking part in this auspicious Festival of Lights were President Donald Ramotar and First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar, who transformed State House into a scintillating row of lit diyas and beautifully created “Rangolis.” Last evening, they hosted their annual “Diwali Light-up”.
The cultural programme, as per tradition, started with prayers, followed by a prayer dance that was spectacularly done by the Jewan KaNritya Dance Group. Renditions of both religious and Filmi Diwali songs were done.
During brief remarks at the event, which saw several Members of the Cabinet and the Diplomatic Corps in attendance, President Ramotar stated that Diwali has become a festival for all, regardless of religious backgrounds.
“We have a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society that makes up Guyana and all these features and practices make up our diverse culture,” the Head of State said.
President Ramotar noted that the festival is a very significant one, with many universal messages such as victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.He said that while it is true that people would have brought with them different cultural practices, “when one comes and lives in a multi-ethnic society, it becomes all of our culture.”
He explained that this beautiful festival has become part of Guyana’s history and society, and is one whose lessons could help persons to overcome difficulties with effort and hard work. The Head of State thanked all who had assisted with preparation of the grounds and sweetmeats.One of the highlights of the evening was a surprise, belated birthday song done by Ms Boodhoo on behalf of the First Lady, which captivated the
One of the beautifully decorated houses in Campbellville
Diyas, all in a row, was the theme for this house (Photos by Sonell Nelson)
These two young ladies assist their parents in decorating their yard with diyas
audience when the President joined in to sing part of the rendition.
(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)