The Festival of Lights
Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu Festival of Lights and a national public holiday in Guyana. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and honours Mother Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Diyas, sweets and Lakshmi puja
In the days before Diwali, homes are cleaned and decorated. On the night of Diwali, homes, yards and mandirs across Guyana glow with thousands of diyas, small clay lamps filled with oil. Families perform Lakshmi puja, share sweets such as mithai, parsad and gulab jamun, and visit friends and neighbours.
People of every faith join in the celebrations, and Diwali is one of the most beautiful nights of the year in Guyana.
Traditions
- Lighting diyas around homes and yards
- Lakshmi puja
- Sharing mithai, parsad and other sweets
- Visiting friends and neighbours