Guyana today joins scores of countries across the world to observe Deepavali or Diwali – a time when citizens across social, economic and the political strata join observance of the religious festival of ‘light over darkness.’
Guyana’s two largest mass based political parties – on the occasion – were in sync with their messages, one articulating the belief “our diversity has worked and will continue to work to the country’s advantage”, while the other proclaiming occasions like Diwali continue to present the opportunity for all of our people to display to the world, as one nation, the beauty and uniqueness of our cultural, ethnic and religious diversity and tolerance.
Diwali Lamps
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in its message to Guyanese for Diwali 2017 said “it is from this perspective that we continue to note the division which has recently erupted in respect of the date when we are to celebrate this great festival.”
According to the Opposition People’s Progressive Party, “As we celebrate this most auspicious occasion of the Hindu calendar, we call on all Guyanese, in particular our Hindu brothers and sisters, to reflect upon the significance of this great festival and to inculcate its message into our daily lives, as we strive together, to remove the darkness of hate, discrimination and racism and replace them with the illumination of love, unity and brotherhood. “
The party nonetheless is hopeful that in the near future, “these differences will be reconciled so that this pious occasion can continue to be observed in an atmosphere and environment which is devoid of any controversy and overwhelmed with divinity and mutual respect.”
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in its Diwali 2017 used the occasion to remind that it has always been and will always remain respectful of Guyana’s cultural and religious diversity.
According to the Party – constituting the largest faction of the coalition A Partnership for National Unity -“Our diversity is an asset not a liability… As we celebrate Diwali, the PNCR remains committed to ensuring unity in diversity so that our beloved country can experience real development and progress. Diwali is universally recognised as the Festival of Light, the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and the substitution of all that is negative with that which is positive.”
Meanwhile, the Indian Action Committee (IAC) is also calling upon the various Hindu organisations to agree upon one date for Diwali in 2018.
The IAC, in its message, calls upon all Guyanese to respect the sanctity of Diwali and engage in appropriate and fitting observances and activities.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union in its Diwali message, also alluded to being aware of the current differences surrounding the actual dates for this year’s Diwali celebration, but do earnestly hope that this would not detract from full participation in the festivity nor will it serve in any way to obscure its enduring significance.
