Dear Editor,
Happy Diwali, oh Guyana. 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.” Today, Guyana and the rest of the world welcome the third of the five days’ festive season of lights, Diwali or Deepavali.
There is only one way to remove darkness whether physical, psychological, or platonic, and that is, by providing light. President Dr Irfaan Ali ably reminded us, “When we speak about life overcoming darkness, it is light creating a way through the darkness that is different from what darkness offers. It is not just physical life; it is removing what light offers against what darkness offers.”
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. With that, there are a number of customs that followers of Dharma hold dear each year.
There are philosophical concepts and principles that can be placed into perspective for consideration and implementation. It is a ripe time for preaching, teaching, learning, implementing, and reminding:
1) Give and forgive. It is a common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is 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. Do take the time 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. The sages who instituted this Deepawali custom may have hoped that their descendants would realise its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives. 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, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle in joy and embrace one another. Those with keen inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voice of the sages, “O children of God unite, and love all.” The vibrations produced by the greetings of love, which fill the atmosphere, are powerful. 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.
4) Prosper and progress. On this day, Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. People buy new clothes for their family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees. 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 Golden Temple at Amritsar in India is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps. 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. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.
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. It is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From Darkness unto Light—the light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of the world, and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, togetherness, and hope.
Diwali is celebrated in Guyana and around the world. Outside of India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it’s a celebration of South-Asian identities, Hindus, followers, observers, and other participants. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a Diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light, and illuminate the soul. This Diwali season is truncated with so many deaths due to COVId-19, other illnesses, traffic accidents and crime in Guyana. 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.”
Shubh Diwali to you, your family, friends and neighbours of all of Guyana.
Yours respectfully,
Jai Lall
