DESPITE the Covid-19 Pandemic the message of Divali still remains relevant.
This according to President Paula-Mae Weekes in her 2020 Divali message.
She said, “Despite the disruption and dislocation caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, the inspirational message of Divali remains undiluted, unwavering and relevant and even as our Hindu community makes the necessary adjustments to its mode of celebration, it remains steadfast in its devotion and commitment to the values of this auspicious period.”
Weekes said, “The essential message of Divali is a triumphal one; it is a celebration of good overcoming evil and light extinguishing the darkness.”
She said while popular and well-loved traditions would be curtailed due to Covid-19, Hindus have found inventive and engaging ways of keeping alive the spirit of this sacred season.
Weekes said, “Ramleela, usually staged over the course of ten days, was condensed into one event, with spectators looking on from the safety of their vehicles, while the Divali Nagar, a highly-anticipated exposition of Indo-Trinbagonian religion, culture and history, was presented on an entirely virtual platform.”
She said, “The essence of Divali was universal and in the normal course of things, non-Hindus join unrestrainedly in the celebration of Divali, visiting their Hindu friends, enjoying fellowship and creating their own mini displays of deyas.
“All of this will be much scaled down for this year, but I encourage every household to light a symbolic deya to represent the light that awaits us at the end of this Covid-19 tunnel.”
She extended warmest wishes for a safe, healthy and peaceful Divali to the Hindu community and all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
