Diwali in Guyana and NY

Oct 17, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
The celebration of Diwali is handed down by tradition from ancient times in India and is transplanted in Guyana by the indentured servants and from Guyana to NY where it is celebrated with grandeur.
Diwali is spread worldwide. People celebrate the festival in many countries on a grand scale and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of New Year. It is celebrated in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Thailand, Siam, Bali, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. but in their own ways. However, the message is the same as it is in Guyana – brighten up the heart to conquer evil and let knowledge dispel ignorance and live together enjoying each other’s culture.
Diwali is rapidly becoming a mainstream celebration in those areas where large numbers of Guyanese are settled. They proudly light their deyas in NY. As in Guyana, earthen deyas are lit in front of homes and around the ledges of windows and on the outside steps.
In addition to deyas, there are usually multi-coloured rangoli designs in front of homes and floral decorations.
On Diwali night, fireworks add to the excitement and grandeur to the festival which heralds joy and happiness in the ensuing year. And as in Guyana, there have been concerts and motorcades in the city.
Although the festival does not have official recognition of the status of a public holiday, it is recognised by the Department of Education and students are excused from school. There is also suspension of parking rules that is accorded to festivals of other religions.
The media is promoting the festival. Many of the ethnic radio and television programmes air Diwali songs and carry paid advertisements with greetings from several businesses. Even several American businesses are running Diwali greetings in newspapers.
On Liberty Avenue, the hub of Guyanese commerce, huge numbers of multi-coloured and multi-shaped deyas and other paraphernalia are on sale on the sidewalks in front of stores. The avenue itself is well decorated comparable to the traditional Christmas season.
The air wafts with the aroma of burning incense. Even Korean-owned stores and the mainstream American stores in the community is also offering a full line of Diwali-related items and has been blaring religious Hindu songs. People are seen purchasing new traditional clothing (kurtha, saris, shalwars, lahengas, chulis, etc.). People acquire traditional food items and religious paraphernalia.
As in Guyana, on Diwali day, sweets, mohanbhoog (prasadam) and bhojan (food) are prepared and people exchange gifts, cards, and greetings and distribute sweets and foods to their neighbours, friends and relatives. The temples are visited. Deyas are arranged in rows and lit up around the house and the yard. As in Guyana, many homes mount multicoloured designs of deyas in front of their homes as they compete for the title of the most deya-lit home.
Diwali is a time when people contemplate the future, make new resolutions and plan new undertakings. During the season, people should offer forgiveness and mend fences with enemies, to be at peace with oneself and others. In NY, they brighten up their hearts. They should do same in Guyana. Shubh Divali!
Vishnu Bisram

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