Diwali Messages

Diwali 2014 message of Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar, First Lady of Guyana.

It is once again my privilege and pleasure to extend to all Guyanese, but especially to our Hindu community, greetings on the joyous occasion of Diwali. This is a very special festival in the lives of all Hindus, one that radiates with happiness and renewal.

Diwali is a celebratory festival. This festival commemorates the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother from exile. The festival is characterized by great symbolism wherein families light their diyas and other lanterns to mark the conquest of good over evil and enlightenment over ignorance. It is a time when Hindus de-clutter their lives of the things, both material and spiritual, that impede a closer relationship with the Divine.

It is a time for Hindus to reaffirm, renew and reinvigorate their beliefs. It is also a time for deepening relationships within and between families. It is a time for sharing and a time for pujas.

On this Diwali 2014, I wish to remind all families of our special responsibilities towards our children and especially of the need to instill in them that light of virtue. Let us do our part to ensure that our children keep on the path of virtue. Let us teach them, by word and by example, the importance of being virtuous and to avoid being tempted or led astray by the impure thoughts, images and acts.

As we celebrate this wonderful festival of Diwali, may we do so with respect for the traditions of all Hindus! May enlightenment always prevail over ignorance!

May we have a peaceful, holy and joyous Diwali 2014!

 AFC

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, the Alliance For Change extends greetings to all our Hindu brothers and sisters. This is a time of great religious significance in the Hindu calendar commemorating the return of Lord Rama after he had spent 14 years in exile.

The message of Diwali gives us hope and teaches us that evil and darkness will not triumph in the face of goodness and light. It is a time for forgiveness andlooking beyond differences. It is not a time for debasing and making disparaging remarks about others.

On this occasion, the Alliance For Change urges all Guyanese; regardless of their religious beliefs, to pray for our nation and for each other, that each of us may be a light of hope and kindness in the life of someone else. This Diwali as we share in the sweat-meats and other treats, let us also share peace and kindness.

Meanwhile, the AFC acknowledges its oversight in calling for a sitting of the National Assembly on October 22. Given the usual preparations and religious observances on this evening, it would have been impractical for the House to meet.

PPP

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends Diwali greetings to all Guyanese, in particular our Hindu brothers and sisters.

This festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness and resonates with humanity all over the world. The message of Diwali is universal and cannot be ignored especially in these trying times.

The current situation in the world in which there still exist large pockets of people who suffer from oppressive and dictatorial rule renders the significance of the festival all the more relevant and timely.

In our own country dark clouds are threatening to throw the country once again into a state of backwardness and darkness.

The PPP remains convinced that these destructive forces will not prevail and that good will ultimately triumph over evil. It is the sincere hope of the PPP that Diwali, referred to as the Festival of Lights, will serve to rekindle our hope for a brighter Guyana. It certainly will brighten our collective hearts and souls as we seek to overcome our challenges and as we forge ahead to build a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana.

APNU

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) takes this opportunity to once more extend felicitations and best wishes to our Hindu brothers and sisters and the people of Guyana generally as we observe yet another Deepavali National Holiday.

Of the various Hindu festivals, Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, enlivens all, young and old, men and women, rich and poor, in towns and communities throughout Guyana. It is especially a unifying and integrating force. Diffusing goodwill, joy and cheer, it brings all people together.

The religious significance of this festival is particularly illuminating. The Goddess Maha Lakshmi, the Goddess of Light, is worshipped for wealth and spiritual enlightenment. But, alas, the light in our beloved country is only flickering. Literally and metaphorically, the light and spirit of this Nation are fast disappearing. With increased corruption, violent crime and a rising sense of hopelessness, the Guyanese Nation sees the light disappearing around them. They sense a gathering storm is at hand, as the human spirit of this Nation becomes sullen and depressed

This year’s observances are occurring at a very important moment in the history of the nation when there is a clear need for peace, understanding and stability. These values are common to all the religions in Guyana and assume particular significance in respect of the Deepavali celebrations. The idea of the triumph of light over darkness symbolically and otherwise carries a powerful message for the Guyanese nation.

APNU, therefore, joins with the Hindu community and the rest of the nation in celebrating this important event.