标签： Trinidad and Tobago

Divali, also known as Deepavali or Deepamalika, is a festival that transcends borders, cultures, and generations, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Rooted in ancient scriptures, this sacred occasion carries a profound spiritual message: to live in the light, share it with others, and become a beacon of hope for the world. The clay lamp, or deya, serves as a powerful metaphor for the human body, with its flame representing the inner light of consciousness. Lighting a deya is a call to dispel ignorance, confusion, and negativity, fostering an awakening of awareness on personal, familial, social, and global levels.

Historically, Divali has been celebrated as a divine victory across various epochs. From Lord Indra’s ascension as King of the heavens to the Pandavas’ triumph in the Mahabharat war, the festival has marked moments of enlightenment and renewal. In modern times, India’s independence in 1947 and the inauguration of the Sri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in 2024 have further illuminated the nation’s journey toward freedom and unity. The lighting of millions of deyas across the globe underscores the festival’s universal appeal and its ability to unite people across cultures and creeds.

In the postmodern era, humanity continues to grapple with challenges such as war, terrorism, and the proliferation of destructive weapons. Swami Brahma Swarupananda, founder of Brahma Vidya Peetham International, emphasizes that the true struggle lies within the human mind. The lighting of deyas symbolizes the eradication of inner turmoil, urging individuals and nations to embrace truth, compassion, and harmony. At Brahma Vidya Peetham, the celebration of Divali extends beyond the physical act of lighting lamps to fostering love and goodwill among neighbors, communities, and nations.

In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), Divali is celebrated with immense devotion and cultural pride. The annual Divali Nagar in Chaguanas, established in 1986, attracts thousands, showcasing the community’s deep connection to its Indian heritage. This year, the festival’s radiance was further amplified by the Artificial Limb Fitment Camp inaugurated at the Diplomatic Centre, a collaborative effort led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Indian High Commissioner Dr. Pradeep Rajpurohit. As the world celebrates Divali, Swami Brahma Swarupananda offers a heartfelt prayer for global peace, prosperity, and unity, urging humanity to live in the light and share it with all.

Acting President Wade Mark delivered a heartfelt national message in honor of Divali, the Festival of Lights, urging citizens to embrace the spiritual and communal significance of the celebration. Speaking on October 11, Mark highlighted the festival’s core themes of light triumphing over darkness, unity, and compassion. He emphasized that Divali, which commemorates the return of Lord Rama and Mother Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, symbolizes resilience, duty, and the enduring strength of family and community bonds. Mark described the lighting of deyas (oil lamps) as a powerful tradition that serves as a reminder of the ability of even a single light to dispel darkness. He encouraged citizens to embody this light by fostering love, understanding, and peace in their communities. The acting president also noted the widespread celebrations across the nation, with thousands illuminating their homes and businesses while offering prayers to Mother Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Mark called for both personal and national transformation, urging citizens to reflect on values such as freedom, integrity, truth, and justice. He emphasized that Divali’s true essence lies not only in lighting physical lamps but also in keeping one’s spiritual light radiant. Mark concluded his message by extending warm greetings on behalf of President Christine Kangaloo and his family, wishing the Hindu community and the nation a joyous and holy Divali. ‘May the joy and peace of Divali fill all homes throughout the nation. Shubh Divali!’ he said.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles recently participated in the Divali Nagar celebrations in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, on October 16, lighting a deya alongside National Council of Indian Culture president Surujdeo Mangroo and dancer Samara Mohammed. In a heartfelt statement issued on October 19, the eve of Divali, Beckles described the festival as one of the most sacred and auspicious occasions on the Hindu calendar, extending warm greetings to the Hindu community and the nation at large. She emphasized the spiritual significance of Divali, highlighting its themes of light overcoming darkness, knowledge dispelling ignorance, and righteousness triumphing over evil. Beckles underscored the festival’s role in fostering unity, compassion, and hope, particularly during challenging times. She called on leaders to act with integrity, communities to show compassion, and citizens to be beacons of light for one another. As Arima MP and Opposition Leader, Beckles reaffirmed her commitment to building a nation rooted in fairness, justice, and opportunity for all. She concluded by wishing for the divine blessings of Mother Lakshmi to bring peace, prosperity, and purpose to every home, guiding the nation toward a future filled with justice, compassion, and hope.

The festival of Divali, a celebration of light, unity, and the triumph of good over evil, transcends geographical boundaries, uniting Caribbean and South Asian communities worldwide. From the vibrant streets of New York to the serene shores of the Turks and Caicos, and from the bustling neighborhoods of Guyana to the distant villages of Suriname and The Gambia, the diaspora creatively preserves the essence of Divali, blending tradition with modern life in foreign lands.

In Toronto, Devin Latchmana, a Canadian of Trinidadian and Guyanese descent, reflects on the evolution of Divali celebrations. Growing up in a Hindu household in Canada, he recalls a time when the festival was less recognized. Today, Divali is celebrated with grandeur, marked by decorations, traditional foods, and public acknowledgment. Latchmana and his family honor the festival with elaborate rituals, including puja, bhajans, and the preparation of traditional dishes, fostering a sense of pride and community.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, Shivani Kamble, originally from Mumbai, India, emphasizes the universal values of Divali. For her, the festival is a celebration of unity and the human spirit, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. Kamble hosts an annual Divali party, inviting friends and neighbors to share in the joy, creating a sense of belonging and togetherness.

In Washington DC, Bhisham Persad, an architect and pundit from Trinidad, views Divali as both a cultural and spiritual experience. He highlights the festival’s significance in connecting with one’s inner self and celebrating prosperity and purity. Despite the more private nature of celebrations in the US, Persad remains hopeful for broader recognition, noting recent declarations of Divali as a holiday in California and New York.

In New York, Trinidadian Narda Mohammed finds a deeper spiritual meaning in Divali, despite the challenges of celebrating in a less communal environment. She keeps her traditions alive through food, sharing Trini culture with those around her.

In The Gambia, Catherine Andrews, originally from Trinidad, introduces Divali traditions to her new community, adapting to local resources to create makeshift deyas and preparing traditional Trinidadian vegetarian dishes.

In Guyana, Lakhram Bhagirat emphasizes the importance of family and community in Divali celebrations. He decorates his home with fairy lights and intricate rangolis, preparing traditional sweets and dishes, and lighting deyas to honor the festival.

In Suriname, Rudy Soeroedjlall Ardjoen highlights the unifying nature of Divali, celebrated by people of all ethnicities and faiths. The festival includes cultural events, deya lighting, and communal gatherings, fostering a sense of brotherhood and togetherness.

Across the globe, Divali serves as a beacon of light, unity, and cultural preservation, bringing communities together in celebration and reflection.

The Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI), once a cornerstone of the nation’s hospitality sector, is set to reopen following an announcement by the Finance Minister. This move has reignited hope for the revitalization of an industry that has long struggled with systemic challenges. The institution, located in Chaguaramas, was abruptly closed in 2020, ostensibly due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the closure was merely the culmination of years of financial neglect, administrative mismanagement, and dwindling government support. The TTHTI had been grappling with unpaid subventions totaling $13.17 million, and its registration with the Accreditation Council remained incomplete, raising concerns about the transferability of student records. Despite efforts by some students to transfer to the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, the abrupt shutdown left many in limbo. The closure also drew criticism from then-Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, though no concrete action was taken to address the issue. Over its 48-year history, the TTHTI had not only trained aspiring hospitality professionals but also offered popular short courses in culinary arts to individuals of all ages. Its graduates played a pivotal role in initiatives like the School Feeding Programme and went on to establish successful businesses in the hospitality sector. The Finance Minister’s pledge to reopen the institute must go beyond mere restoration; it demands a comprehensive modernization of the facility to align with the evolving needs of the industry. This revival could serve as a critical step in the broader agenda of economic diversification, ensuring that the hospitality sector remains a vital contributor to the nation’s economy.