Divali

Before the turn of the century, East Indians introduced the Hindu holiday of Divali, which Trinidad and Tobago lovingly refer to as the Festival of Lights. This is their largest Hindu festival, which takes place in the Hindu calendar month of Karthik (October-November). On what is supposed to be the darkest night of the year, this national holiday is observed.

Hindus usually observe Divali on a huge scale and in a spectacular manner, beginning with a Lakshmi Pooja. At twilight, everyone helps in lighting and putting the Deyas about the home and yard, and celebrants typically invite relatives and friends to share a magnificent vegetarian lunch. Hundreds of brightly flashing lights in various places and patterns make for a spectacular picture!

Many Hindu temples and community organizations across islands organize their own Divali celebrations, which you may see in the weeks leading up to the actual day. This is a celebration that will strike your heart because, at its core, it is a narrative of good triumphing over evil, about light triumphing over darkness.