to be lit at Rahaman’s Park on SundayAs Guyanese prepare to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Swyamsevak Sangh will be lighting the biggest diya on Sunday evening at Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown, which signifies the beginning of the festival of lights.
This is in keeping with Guyana’s Jubilee celebrations to mark the country’s independence anniversary. However, the first Diya was lit in 2015 at the same location and would have illuminated the entire area.
As usual, the event will be attended by Government officials and members of the Opposition, the Indian High Commission, heads of leading Hindu and other religious organisations.
Diwali coincides with the Hindu New Year and celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The festival usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, although this is decided upon by the Hindu lunar calendar. While each organisation has its own reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon King Ravanna.
Meanwhile, the aim of the national Diya lighting is to promote, preserve and spread awareness of oneness and national unity. This event will commence at 18:00h and conclude at 19:30h.
