Dear Editor,
Head of HSS Guyana, Ravi Dev, a prominent and powerful proclaimer and protector of Dharma universally, proclaimed, “one of the most important lessons that Dharma, which is the religious and moral law governing individual conduct in Hinduism, teaches that, not just one group but a collective effort from all Guyanese is needed to bring “goodness” in society so that Guyana can reach its full potential.”
Guyana and the rest of the world welcome the advent of a five days’ festive season of lights, Diwali or Deepavali, which commenced on Saturday. Diwali itself is celebrated on the third day with all its brightness, blissfulness, glamour, glitter, flamboyance, fashion, festivities and feasts.
Deepavali or Diwali is known as “The Festival of Lights.” Deepa means Light and Vali means Row. So Deepavali signifies a “Row of Lights.” It is one of the most prominent festivals, customs and traditions, which our fore parents brought from India and it is to date, celebrated with great warmth, joy, and shining grandeur.
Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and right over wrong. It is an occasion of high spiritual value as it signifies “the opening of our own true light which sparkles within us and sharing this glow with others as well.
When we ignite a candle or an oil/ghee lamp, it is to open light in the physical space. Similarly, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, when blessed lamps are lit, they illuminate the energetic pathway to Open the Light within us.
On this day of delight, the energies of Light take over darkness to spread love, joy, positivity and enthusiasm. It is a day that devotees pay homage and obeisance to Mata Lakshmi, the goddess of peace, prosperity and progress, while seeking her Darshan (blessings) for material and spiritual wealth and wisdom and health and happiness.
After Shri Ram had discarded many evil doers while correcting many wrongs during his ‘Ban Baas’ era, he returned to his homeland in Ayodhya where the people also lit diyas to welcome him.
The Honorable AG, Mr. Anil Nandlall encouraged Guyanese to “carry these values of light, goodness and wisdom into their dear lives, underscoring the continued relevance of religious festivals as guides for positive living.”
Beyond the lights, laughter, leisure, food, fun, frolic, fashion, features, gifts, grace, gratitude, rituals, religious rights, reverence, ceremonies, cleaning, and cultural consequences, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year
1) Give and forgive. With an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere, this is a momentous occasion to hug and embrace after any lapse due to differences and indifferences and to reach out to the needs of the less fortunate.
2) Rise and shine. Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4am or 1.5 hours before sunrise), is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work, and spiritual advancement. Yoga, pranayama, meditation, or regular exercise are the tenets of good aptitudes and attitudes to cultivate.
3) Unite and unify. Diwali is a unifying event, a time when people mingle in joy and greet one another. When the heart has considerably hardened, only a continuous celebration of Deepawali can rekindle the urgent need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred. On the fifth day, Bhaiya Dooj, a family bonding is observed.
4) Prosper and progress. On the first day, Dhanteras, Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. People buy new clothes and jewelry for their family. Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps. The best and finest illuminations can be seen from Berbice to Demerara and throughout Essequibo. The famous Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to light 2.6 million diyas by 33,000 volunteers.
This festival instils charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds. This includes Goverdhan Pooja, a celebration by Vaishnavites on the fourth day of Diwali. On this day, they feed the poor on an incredible scale.
5) Illuminate your inner self. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart.
6) From Darkness unto Light. In each legend, myth, and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good conquering evil, truth prevailing over untruth, and nescience being replaced by enlightenment. The light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divinity.
Let us light a special Diya for all the departed souls we have lost and say a special prayer in their memory. Let us pray also for the well-being of all the leaders of this country and the rest of the world to always do what is best and right for the people, by exercising wisdom, care and good judgement.
May all negativities be extinguished from everyone, especially the sick, oppressed and depressed, with the brightness of Diwali. President Ali wished the nation a happy Diwali by including, “…Today, as we will turn the light on, let’s also turn our hearts into moments of reflection and examine what small or big change may be necessary in achieving this part (having hope over fear; having knowledge over ignorance; having freedom over bondage; having unity over division), that we also want for our beautiful country and for our families.”
Happy Diwali to you, your family, friends and neighbours, One Guyana.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall.
