ERC condemns all acts of religious intolerance surrounding Diwali

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Tuesday said that it has taken keen note of the public event that promotes the use of alcohol and of the viral Facebook posts and comments that disrespect the reenactment of a Hindu God Vishnu on a motorcade.
Reference, the ERC said, is made to an event entitled “Festival of Lights Linkup” which is scheduled to be held in Charity, Essequibo, on November 13, the date set aside as the National Holiday for Diwali.
The various acts flagged, the ERC noted, are contrary to the observances of Diwali, a Hindu religious holiday set aside for reverence, self-introspection, and worship.
“The ERC is empowered under Article 212D of the Constitution of Guyana to, among other things, “Ensure and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society.” In this regard, the ERC is conducting a thorough investigation and will take stringent measures to hold those accountable for their acts of religious intolerance,” the release read.
From a religious perspective, Diwali is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil but, moreover, it is also a day dedicated to abstinence from meat, alcohol, and vices, the ERC added.
It is calling on all promoters to be more cognisant of the religious insensitivity that comes with promoting events that venerate the consumption of alcohol and partying under the same banner of religious holidays.
The Commission also reminded everyone that Diwali and all other religious holidays are of great spiritual significance and as such, “using these occasions to desecrate the beliefs and practices of our brothers and sisters erodes the moral fibre of our Guyanese society. Let us all do our part to promote harmony and good relations among all the people of Guyana.”