Divali (Diwali) in Trinidad & Tobago
The festival of Divali (Diwali) has existed from time immemorial, ever since man became aware of truth and untruth, darkness and light, death and immortality. Divali (or alternatively Deepawali, Deepavali or Diwali) is the Festival Of Light. Hindus celebrate it all over the world. In Trinidad and Tobago, particularly for our Hindu nationals, it has not lost any of its significance nor is it celebrated with any less fervor.
The true meaning of Divali (Diwali) can be expressed as being to bring light where darkness prevails, truth where untruth prevails, to bring life where death prevails, to brighten our surroundings, to illumine our minds.
Deepavali in Sanskrit means "row of lighted lamps", is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It falls on the Amavasya of the month of Kartik every year in the Hindu calender. By the English or Western Calendar this festival generally occurs over a period that covers the last week of October to the first half of the month of November.
The Festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, justice over injustice and intelligence over ignorance. The goddess worshipped at Divali (Diwali) is Mother Lakshmi or Lakshmi Mata. Lakshmi Mata is the goddess of light, wealth and beauty and is also associated with prosperity, luck, riches, abundance, financial well being, and generosity.
In statues and artwork, Lakshmi Mata is portrayed wearing gold and lotus flowers either sitting on a lotus, standing on one, wearing lotus blossoms in her hair and on her gown, or holding a lotus blossom which to many Hindus symbolises fertility, spiritual power, and purity.
At Divali it is not surprising to see elaborate preparations being made to welcome the goddess into the homes of devotees. Though it is titled as being a festival, it is one with a difference since at the heart of the festival is a very significant religious observance since Lakshmi Mata is honoured and worshipped in the form of pujas, singing bhajans and with the chanting of mantras.
Origins of Divali
In the Hindu community, there are various beliefs as to the genesis of the festival. The Northern Hindus believe Deepawali is celebrated to commemorate the return of the Lord Rama to Ayodhya and the defeat of Rawana by Lord Rama, the symbol of goodness as depicted in the Hindu Classic "Ramayana". While Hindus in the South celebrate the occasion in remembrance of the victory of Lord Krishna over evil Naraksura.
Whatever the origin, the symbolism and significance of light is central to the observances of Divali. Light dispels the darkness of this mortal world and allows us to find our true path. The enlightened soul can then walk this darkened world shedding light, illuminating the darkness of his fellow men. Divali also fosters a feeling of comradeship and community as is evidenced by the sharing and almsgiving.
Divali: The Day
The traditional Hindus would start the day by having an oil bath before sunrise and saying prayers and donning new clothes, then would either go to the temple or pray at home. This is followed by a show of respect to the elders. They also distribute delicacies to their neighbours and friends and many have "open house" for their non-Hindu friends.
Numerous traditional sweet meats are prepared beforehand for the day's festivities, among them are laddu, barfi, goolaab jaamon, para and khurma. These are made a few days before Deepavali.