As the world marks Divali on October 20, 2025, this vibrant Hindu festival continues to illuminate hearts and homes across Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Known as the Festival of Lights, Divali, or Deepavali, holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, celebrated with immense enthusiasm not only in India but globally. The festival derives its name from the Sanskrit words ‘deepa’ (light) and ‘avali’ (a row), symbolizing a row of lights that dispel darkness and ignorance. In TT, the festival is referred to as Divali, reflecting the local linguistic adaptation. The celebration is marked by the lighting of deyas—small clay oil lamps—adorning homes, streets, and public spaces, alongside the use of firecrackers and akashadiwas (large lamps). Divali is steeped in rich mythology, with legends such as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi to Lord Vishnu. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped during the festival, with devotees chanting mantras and performing pooja to seek her blessings. In TT, the festival is a time for community bonding, with families cleaning their homes, sharing vegetarian meals and sweets like barfi and kurma, and creating elaborate light displays using bamboo frames. The nine-night Divali Nagar in Chaguanas is a cultural highlight, showcasing Indo-Trinidadian heritage through food, music, and dance performances. Recognized as a national public holiday, Divali fosters unity, peace, and love, encouraging people to come together and celebrate their shared humanity. As Nigel Seenathsingh, a San Fernando resident, eloquently expressed, ‘May the light and philosophy of Divali guide us to become the best that we can be, uniting us to make TT the best, safest, and most united country in the world.’ On behalf of his family, he extends warm wishes for a Shubh Divali 2025.