Home Features Bright lights of Diwali are considered to signify illuminatory power of knowledge...
The Indian Action Committee (IAC) extends Diwali greetings to all Guyanese, especially persons who are adherents of Sanatana Dharma, on the occasion of the now globally-recognised festival of Deepavali or Diwali, which is derived from the Sanskrit language and means “a row of lights”, Diwali falls on the new moon night of the month of Kartika, and is celebrated over a period of five days in India.
Diwali is associated with several mythological stories, one of them dealing with the belief of Hindus that on the day of Diwali, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, King of Lanka, and that the people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lighting thousands of diyas.
The IAC recognises that, in Guyana, the Goddess Lakshmi Maataa, or Maha Lakshmi, is venerated on the day of Diwali, her devotees ardently believing that their veneration of her would result in wealth and prosperity being bestowed upon them in the future.
The bright lights of Diwali are believed, by Hindus, to guide and welcome Lakshmi Maataa into their homes, where she can bestow her blessings on them and their families, and also to guide and welcome Lord Rama back to Ayodhya.
The bright lights of Diwali are also considered to signify the illuminatory power of knowledge, which destroys the darkness of ignorance, and also to represent the triumph of good over evil.
The IAC also recognises the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 4600 citizens, killing almost 140 persons, and calls upon all Guyanese to maintain safety protocols during the Festival of Diwali.
The IAC has observed that, over the years, lack of care in the lighting and handling of diyas has led to the destruction of homes by fire, and the organization urges all persons involved in this activity to be extremely careful in order to prevent such tragedies that mar the enjoyment of the Festival of Diwali.
The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to respect the sanctity of Diwali, and engage in appropriate and fitting observances and activities.
Shubh Diwali!
