Spirit of togetherness shines brightest at Diwali – Pres Ali

– PM says lessons of festival extend beyond faith

As Hindus in Guyana observe Diwali today, President Dr Irfaan Ali says that the Festival of Lights is more than a religious observance but has become a national celebration that acts as a unifying tradition across the country. He made these remarks in his Diwali Message 2025, stating: “Diwali is a time when the spirit of togetherness shines brightest, reminding us of what we can achieve when we live in harmony and mutual respect… Homes are illuminated with flickering diyas, motorcades are held to usher in the festival, and families gather to pray and share sweets. People of every background join in acts of goodwill and generosity.”
According to the Head of State, this sacred festival reminds that light will always triumph over darkness, and that goodness, knowledge, and virtue must forever prevail over ignorance, evil, and despair.

Diwali is one of the world’s oldest and most beloved festivals. Its origins reach deep into the soil of ancient India, where it began as a harvest celebration marking the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of a new season of hope and renewal. Overtime this simple observance of gratitude for a fruitful harvest evolved into a festival richer in religious meaning and moral symbolism.
In Hindu tradition, Diwali is celebrated in honour of several timeless stories. In parts of India, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana-symbolising the victory of righteousness over wrongdoing.
In other areas, it celebrates the triumph of Lord Krishna over the tyrant Narakasura, reminding us that evil cannot withstand the light of truth. For many, it is also a time dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who bestows prosperity, wisdom, and peace upon those who live with integrity and compassion. President Ali noted that across all these traditions, the central message of Diwali reminds that we must keep faith in the moral order of the universe, and that by lighting our own lamps of kindness and understanding, we help illuminate the world around us.

Our greatest strength
Diwali first came to our shores with the arrival of the Indian indentured immigrants who were brought to these lands in the nineteenth century. They carried with them their languages. their food, their songs and their religious beliefs, customs and traditions. In the early years, Diwali was observed privately in homes and small gatherings, often in humble surroundings. But as the Indo-Guyanese community grew and temples were built, the festival blossomed into a public celebration of light, devotion, and unity. Over generations, it has become a treasured part of our national life. But according to the Guyanese leader, amid this splendour and celebration, it is important to remember the deeper meaning of this festival – the light within that gives true purpose to the lights without.
“In this luminous festival, it is not the grandeur of the celebration or the ostentatious displays that truly matter, but the spirit behind each light that is kindled. Even a single, simple diya, flickering gently against the night, carries profound significance. The smallest flame, lit with sincerity and devotion, has the power to dispel gloom and to remind us that goodness needs no extravagance to shine brightly,” he stated. The Head of State pointed out that Diwali teaches that it is not the abundance of lights, but the purity of the heart that lights them, which brings true illumination to lives, homes and ultimately, the nation.
“As we celebrate Diwali this year, let us draw from its enduring lessons. Let us renew our commitment to sustaining the rich religious and cultural traditions that define us as a people. These traditions are living expressions of who we are and what we aspire to be. Our diversity is our greatest strength, and it is our shared duty to preserve and nurture it for generations to come.”
President Ali added, “Let us learn to see the beauty that dwells in the simple and the ordinary. When we open our hearts to the simple and the ordinary, we discover that even the smallest flame can brighten the darkest night. May this Festival of Lights inspire every Guyanese to banish the darkness of hatred and division, and to let compassion, tolerance, and unity guide our nation forward. May the light of Diwali continue to shine brightly over our beloved Guyana. Happy Diwali to all!”

Lessons of Diwali
Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his Diwali Message, noted that as families gather and homes are adorned with diyas and colour, they are reminded of the power of light and its meaning in everyone’s lives.
“Diwali is a time for reflection and renewal. It reminds us that light grows in our lives when we think with wisdom, act with kindness, and persevere with purpose,” he stated. According to the PM, “This festival, a deeply rooted Hindu tradition, has long carried lessons that extend beyond faith. It asks each of us to look within ourselves and strengthen what is good and truthful.”
PM Phillips went on to say that the lighting of a diya is both an act of celebration and a reminder to live with purpose and to guide others through our own actions. He further recognised that Diwali across Guyana brings communities together.
“It allows us to share food, stories, and goodwill. These moments of connection reflect what it truly means to live in a country built on inclusion and respect. Every tradition adds meaning to our shared national identity, and each festival reminds us of how much stronger we are when we honour one another’s beliefs.’
“Let this Diwali encourage us to live with integrity and humility. Let it remind us that every light we kindle, whether in our homes or our hearts, contributes to a brighter and more peaceful society. May this season bring peace to your families, clarity to your thoughts, and hope to your days ahead,” the PM noted, as he wished Guyanese, especially the Hindu community, a happy and safe Diwali.