The festival of lights

THE EDITOR: In a few days, Hindus around the world would be celebrating the festival of Divali.

According to Wikipedia and Hindu scriptures, Divali is connected to various religious events, deities and personalities, such as being the day Lord Ram returned to his kingdom in Ayodha with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana after defeating the demon king Ravana.

It is also widely associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Ganesha, the god of wisdom and remover of obstacles.

Primarily a Hindu festival, variations of Divali are also celebrated by adherents of other faiths. The Jains observe their own Divali which marks the final liberation of Mahavira. Buddhists celebrate Divali by worshipping Lakshmi, while the Hindus of Eastern India and Bangladesh generally celebrate Divali by worshipping the goddess Kali.

Here in Trinidad and Tobago, during the festival, celebrants illuminate their homes, temples and workspaces with deyas (clay oil lamps), candles and lanterns. Divali is also marked with fireworks and the decoration of floors with rangoli designs.

Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing mithai (sweets). The festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families, but also for communities and associations, particularly those in urban areas, which will organise activities, events and gatherings.

Many towns organise community parades and fairs with parades or music and dance performances in parks. Hindus will send Divali greeting cards to family and friends near and far during the festive season, occasionally with boxes of Indian confectionery. Another aspect of the festival is remembering the ancestors.

Divali is also a major cultural event in Trinidad which brings people of all religions together as one with love and kindness. On behalf of my family and myself: Shubh Diwali 2023. Peace, love and blessings to all.

NIGEL SEENATHSINGH

San Fernando