Diwali is a unique Hindu festival which is important in Guyanese cultural life. It occurs today, on November 11th on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik. New moon (no visible moon) occurs on the 11th making it the darkest night or Amawasya. A traditional period, consisting of five consecutive days is observed by Hindus around the world.? The five-day period consists of lighting a single diya or yam deep on Triyodasi (13th day) praying for longevity, which is followed by Narak Chaturdasi (the 14th day) when the destruction of Narkasur by Bhagwan Krishna is remembered and the liberation of thousands of women from his captivity celebrated; in fact, our own Hindu Womens’ Freedom Day. Diwali day on November 11th is followed by Goverdhan Puja and Bhai Dhuj on the 12th and 13th of November.Fundamentally, Diwali is Lakshmi Puja. Maha Lakshmi is described in the Vedas as the eternal source of fortune and abundance. She emerged from the churning of the ocean (sagar manthan) seated on a pristine lotus. The eptiome of beauty,NFL Jerseys Authentic China, material and spiritual prosperity, Maha Lakshmi is adored with reverence, love and humility. The intention of her devotee is not to simply seek material gains but equally spiritual exaltation and bliss. Every evening, when the Hindu turns the lights on in his home, he chants ‘Llakshmi karo tu kalyanam’. Lakshmi ma perpetually bestows the vardan of self-sufficiency and plenty. Lakshmi puja is primary during the celebration and re-kindles hope,NFL Jerseys For Sale, expectation and happiness.Hinduism has as one of its cardinal principles, the presence of the inner light within us. It is mandatory to recognise its presence and to let it emerge as divine radiance which must be shared with all. Diwali is deeply spiritual and creates the environment which enables all to find that inner source of divinity. It urges us to recall the deeper message, which is the triumph of all positivity vanquishing every tinge of darkness. As we light our diyas on the 11th of November, let us also light that light within.In a world susceptible to famine, war and other disasters,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, the devout Hindu believes that collective prayers to Lakshmi Mata can help to rid the earth of every iota of insufficiency. In fact, the Shukla Yajur Veda, unequivocally places her as the mother who provides for her children. With the passage of time,Cheap Authentic Jerseys, Diwali has grown into one of the most unifying of our festivals which transforms society, removing every iota of darkness, strengthening our spiritual powers and our resolve to triumph over all obstacles.As Guyanese we ought to take keen interest in our country’s development. We must steadfastly engage in puja to Lakshmi ma seeking her blessings for the perpetual development and growth of our economy and the unity of all Guyanese so that they can continue to work harmoniously for our country’s progress.Celebrate we must,Cheap Jerseys From China, but our work in transforming society must not cease. Our drive to protect our women and children must feature prominently on our agendas. We must continue to rid our society of all traces of violence so that Guyana will be a country of harmony and peace.Diwali in Guyana has transcended all barriers, and indeed people of all walks of life share in the inspiration that comes with this festival. This is most visible during our motorcades and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha would like to thank the thousands who participated in and attended those motorcades across the country for continuing a rich legacy.Let the light of Diwali burn infinitely, eliminating darkness in all its forms to fuse us in bonds of love, respect and unity. As we all light our diyas, let us light this light of hope, optimism and courage inspiring today’s generation and generations to follow with the beautiful messages of Diwali; the triumph of good over evil and the dispelling of darkness with the light of knowledge and wisdom.All Guyanese are urged to celebrate the festival with respect and understanding for each other in an atmosphere devoid of rancor and discord, free from any degenerate behaviour and may this healthy and loving atmosphere live on forever.Shubh Divali.