A Spectacular Guyanese Diwali Celebration in America

Nov 02, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

As in Guyana, Diwali was spectacularly celebrated last Sunday in areas in America where Hindu Guyanese have established sizeable communities like in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Jersey City, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, etc. The traditions and festivities observed at Diwali in Guyana have been transplanted in areas where Guyanese have settled in the diaspora. As in Guyana, rows of lit diyas were laid out on lawns and steps and balconies and in front of homes.
Unlike in Guyana where the celebration ended, in the US, the celebration continues among some pious Guyanese Hindus with pujas. Politicians are also hosting Diwali dinners and entertainment in their offices to ingratiate themselves with Hindu voters; next week is voting across America. President Trump lit the lamp in his office at the White House in the presence of Indian Americans and others; the President is up for re-election and wishes to strengthen the bonds with the Hindu Republic Political organization. He praised the Indian community for their contributions to the development of America. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also partook in the Diwali celebrations in the UK uttering similar praises as Trump to the Indian community; Boris is also seeking re-election later this year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada also wished everyone a Happy Diwali in Canada; he just won re-election and appointed a Sikh (Punjabi) as his deputy PM; Guyanese overwhelmingly voted for Trudeau. Trump, Trudeau, and Boris praised the Hindu community for strengthening cultural traditions in their homelands. They wished everyone a wonderful Diwali as was done in Guyana by politicians.
As in Guyana, in Queens, many painted and decorated rangolis (various art forms) in their yards and invited the public to take in the decorations. The outside of homes in Queens was magnificently decorated with colourful lights though early morning rains put a damper on the festivities. As in Guyana, in New York, celebrants invited family members, neighbours, friends, and other guests to their homes for dinner on the occasion. Muslims and Christian Indians and non-Indians patronised homes for the festivities where they feasted on traditional vegetarian Guyanese cuisine and a variety of other delicious snacks. Guyanese and Trinis also distributed snacks and delicacies to neighbours and friends. Many also exchanged Diwali gifts similar to exchanges of gifts during the Christmas season.
Virtually, all of the Guyanese mandirs in NY held Diwali celebrations on Sunday night. The temples and homes were beautifully illuminated inside and outdoors around the building structures. Colourful lights hang down on facades of homes in Queens even now, several days after the official celebration. There was entertainment (singing and classical dancing).
Pandits explained that there was Goberdhan prayers the day after Diwali to end the fasting period; Goberdhan was also observed in Guyana with most Guyanese Hindu continuing their fasting and ending it two days after Sunday. But many pious Guyanese and Trinis and South Asians continue Diwali prayers known as chhat puja that ends this weekend. Chhat puja is celebrated by those who could not make it back home (however that is defined – India, Guyana, Trinidad, etc.) for the Diwali celebration to be with family members. The chhat puja is conducted over a four days period after Goberdhan. And some Hindus continue with strict fasting till teerath or karthik on November 12.
The local politicians in America thanked the Hindu communities (South Asian and Indo-Caribbean, and others) for having a safe and wonderful Diwali season. Community leaders and the media are invited to receptions being hosted by politicians seeking elective office in Queens.

Your truly,
Vishnu Bisram

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