The first deyas were lit in T&T about 174 years ago by the Hindus among the East Indians brought to this country between 1945 and 1917 during the period of indentureship.
Given the harsh conditions under which they worked in this country’s sugar cane plantation, those first Divali celebrations were small, simple religious observances. Just a few simple clay deyas, filled with coconut oil or ghee and a wool wick to light their living quarters.
Those first Hindu immigrants could not have imagined the deep, enduring influence their religious beliefs would have in this country, or how their Festival of Lights has evolved into the biggest celebration of its kind in this part of the world.
Their descendants make up a significant percentage of T&T’s population and their cultural and religious impact are deeply woven into the social fabric of these twin-islands.
Today, in every corner of this nation, joyous celebrations are taking place that transcends ethnic and religious boundaries. Later this evening, the lights of thousands of deyas will illuminate communities as the annual observances reach their climax.
The displays on intricately designed bamboo frames which can be found in open spaces across T&T today, dazzling in their brilliance and beauty, can be appreciated by all, regardless of religious persuasion. They are powerful reminders that light triumphs over darkness
This, the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals, Divali, means “row of lights.” According to sacred Hindu texts, it commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Ma Sita and Lakshman, from 14 years in exile and the vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with deyas and set off firecrackers.
In recent days this sacred event has been re-enacted at various Ramleela events—the cultural pageants staged by religious and community groups in many parts of the country.
For more than three decades, however, the biggest attraction in the countdown of this annual observance has been Divali Nagar which means City of Lights. This annual exposition and Indo-Trinidadian culture, held for ten days before Divali, is patronised by Hindus and non-Hindus alike.
Originally staged at the Mid Centre Mall car park in Chaguanas, Divali has a permanent home in Endeavour, providing a space year-round for cultural and religious activities.
Every aspect of today’s celebrations demonstrates the rich legacy of T&T Hindu forefathers and should inspire deep reflection on the need to move from darkness into light.
In every sphere, whether social, religious, political or economic, Divali should remind us to live in and be light, in our thoughts, words and deeds. The lights that illuminate every corner of T&T today should inspire us to live in the joy, togetherness, and hope that will bring prosperity to this nation.
Shubh Divali.