Divali

Hi Folks,

I am sure most of you have heard about the Hindu festival of light called Divali.  It is a Hindu religious festival of colors, music, dance, food and many activities. Celebrated either October or November it signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.  The story goes after lord Rama conquered the evil king Ravan and rescued mother Sita (his wife) he was on his way home, after a 14 year exile in the forest.  Due to a promise he made to his brother, Bharat, he will not return home one day late, if he did Bharat would sacrifice himself in a holy fire. 

Divali celebration in Felicity. Source: trinidadguardian.com

The entire kingdom was in joy to see their new king, lord Rama and thus they lit the streets with earthen lamps (deyas) to welcome him and held a large celebration in every village.  Mother Sita being the incarnation of the Goddess of light, it is also signifies a tribute to her.  Songs were sung, sweet foods and treats were prepared, music and dancing and a joyous night it was as they welcomed their lord and Queen.

Here in Trinidad the essence is the same, devotees would fast from meat and alcohol for at least 21 days prior, they would prepare their homes in such a manner fit to welcome the lord.  It’s like a mini Christmas, new paint, furniture and so on; I believe the wives’ uses Divali as an excuse to fix up their homes.  On the day fasting from salt and preparation of puja (Hindu prayers) material (sweet foods and treats) and normal delicacies are prepared. At dusk, the family will do the puja then begin to light the deyas and decorate their homes.  Some homes use elaborate decoration where bamboo is stripped into thin pieces and bent into designs then the deyas adorn.  Friends and family would visit and partake of the food and festivities including fireworks.

Divali Nagar. Source: trinidadguardian.com

Some communities such as Felicity would decorate their entire street in a continuous display of lights, and other decorations.  At some points, performers would treat the crowd and food and sweets are shared with all.  For the non-Hindu persons, they would visit such communities, and be entertained and partake in deya lighting, fireworks and have a good time.

Performers doing a traditional Indian dance. Source: trinidadguardian.com

Over the years Divali has become such an integrated part of Trinidad culture that just about everyone partakes in the celebration.  I have many non-Hindu friends who would light deya (though they would not fast or do a puja beforehand) and during the day they would be sure to prepare a curry meal.  Visitors always marvel at the entertainment of the live concert which are normally held in the build up to Divali, there is a cultural exhibition the Divali Nagar which features an in depth aspect of Hinduism, the food, traditions, music, art forms and much more.