The Divali festival actually runs for five days. The first day of Divali is November 9 and the final day is November 13. The main celebration occurs on the third day. This year that would have been on Wednesday, November 11. The new moon day.
There is but one Hindu religion but many Hindu organisations in Trinidad. These groups in their wisdom, or lack thereof, have advised the present government, which is non-Hindu, as to their assumption of when the correct date is. Their choice is Tuesday, November 10 for whatever reason. Maybe close proximity to the weekend.
There is never a bad time to worship God, whatever your perception is. I wish to make that abundantly clear. Always remember that.
If one looks at the various Hindu calenders, most have the date as November 11.
Let us not get into the India-Trinidad debate. We reside in Trinidad. There is but one moon.
Divali brings all of the country together, be it for a short time. Roti shops smile all the way to the bank. The menu varies in India.
With respect to the distribution of government funds for the festival, should it be dispersed to the larger groups or the smaller villages? Which organisations are recognised and why?
Is any funding acquired from India? If affirmative, to whom and how much?
The “celebration” at Chaguanas, is it of the festival or of business? Who really benefits at the end of it all? Does culture carry a high price?
Vegetables suddenly become scare and expensive at this time.
Are devotees migrating to larger flocks at greener pastures? A deya loses none of it’s brightness by lighting another.
In 2016, Divali will be celebrated on Sunday, October 30.
Happy Divali, T&T, wherever there is darkness, let there be light.
AV Rampersad,
Princes Town.