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Message from His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on the occasion of Diwali 2025
The Light Within that Gives True Purpose to the Lighs Without
I extend heartfelt wishes to all our citizens, and especially to our Hindu brothers and sisters, on this auspicious occasion of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This sacred festival,
now cherished by all Guyanese, reminds us that light will always triumph over darkness, and that goodness, knowledge, and virtue must forever prevail over ignorance,
evil, and despair.
Diwali is one of the world’s oldest and most beloved festivals. Its origins reach deep into the soil of ancient India, where it began as a harvest celebration marking the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of a new season of hope and renewal. Over time, this simple observance of gratitude for a fruitful harvest evolved into a festival richer in
religious meaning and moral symbolism.
In Hindu tradition, Diwali is celebrated in honour of several timeless stories. In parts of India, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana-symbolising the victory of righteousness over wrongdoing. In other areas, it celebrates the triumph of Lord Krishna over the tyrant
Narakasura, reminding us that evil cannot withstand the light of truth. For many, it is also a time dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who bestows prosperity, wisdom, and peace upon those who live with integrity and compassion.
Across all these traditions, the central message of Diwali reminds us that we must keep faith in the moral order of the universe, and that by lighting our own lamps of kindness and understanding, we help illuminate the world around us.
Diwali first came to our shores with the arrival of the Indian indentured immigrants who were brought to these lands in the nineteenth century. They carried with them their 1 languages, their food, their songs and their religious beliefs, customs and traditions. In the early years, Diwali was observed privately in homes and small gatherings, often in humble surroundings. But as the Indo-Guyanese community grew and temples were built, the festival blossomed into a public celebration of light, devotion, and unity. Over generations, it has become a treasured part of our national life.
Today, Diwali in Guyana is more than a religious observance. It has become a national celebration. Homes are illuminated with flickering diyas, motorcades are held to usher in the festival, and families gather to pray and share sweets. People of every background join in acts of goodwill and generosity. Diwali is a time when the spirit of togetherness shines brightest, reminding us of what we can achieve when we live in harmony and mutual respect.
Yet, amid the splendour and celebration, it is important to remember the deeper meaning of this festival: the light within that gives true purpose to the lights without. In this luminous festival, it is not the grandeur of the celebration or the ostentatious displays that truly matter, but the spirit behind each light that is kindled.
Even a single, simple diya, flickering gently against the night, carries profound significance. The smallest flame, lit with sincerity and devotion, has the power to dispel gloom and to remind us that goodness needs no extravagance to shine brightly. Diwali teaches us that it is not the abundance of lights, but the purity of the heart that lights them, which brings true illumination to our lives, homes and our nation.
As we celebrate Diwali this year, let us draw from its enduring lessons. Let us renew our commitment to sustaining the rich religious and cultural traditions that define us as a people. These traditions are living expressions of who we are and what we aspire to be.
Our diversity is our greatest strength, and it is our shared duty to preserve and nurture it for generations to come.
Let us learn to see the beauty that dwells in the simple and the ordinary. When we open
our hearts to the simple and the ordinary, we discover that even the smallest flame can brighten the darkest night.
May this Festival of Lights inspire every Guyanese to banish the darkness of hatred and division, and to let compassion, tolerance, and unity guide our nation forward.
May the light of Diwali continue to shine brightly over our beloved Guyana. Happy Diwali to all!
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