Divali is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and across the world on Amaavasya, that is, the fifteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of Kaartik (October/November). The word “Divali” is a variation of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” – Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. This festival has been referred to as Divali, Diwali, Dipavali and Deepavali among other variations. Generally, however, it is considered the Festival of Lights. Traditionally, it is marked by the lighting of deyas which are made from clay and filled with oil or ghee. Devotees also clean their homes and surroundings, wear new clothing and give charity to the needy.
DIVALI IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Trinidad and Tobago Hindu festivals, customs and traditions form an integral part of our society and Divali is no exception. A large percentage of the population consists of East Indians and a significant amount are Hindus. The celebration of Divali in Trinidad and Tobago is marked as a national holiday with a significant number of functions held to celebrate the occasion. Within recent times the celebration has not only been extended to the homes and communities but organizations have also embraced this festival with special events held to commemorate this occasion. This is evident in banks, schools and other organizations where members of staff organize Divali cultural programmes, dress in Indian ethnic wear and distribute sweets and prasad to their staff and customers.
Several weeks prior to Divali there is a special event popularly known as Ramleela held in various communities. Members of the communities come together for nine days to enact stories from the world famous epic the Ramayana. Excerpts from the Ramayana are read with the narrative performed by dancers dressed in brightly coloured costumes. The play concludes with the historic burning of the villain Rawan (Ravana) which signifies that good overcomes evil.
One of the highpoints of the celebrations is held at the Divali Nagar site which is the official headquarters of the National Council of Indian Culture. At the Nagar there is a week of cultural, religious, educational and commercial activities which attract a wide cross section of the population including members of government, diplomatic agencies and parliamentarians.
Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago clean and redecorate their homes to mark this auspicious occasion. They also maintain a period of abstinence or fasting. The day of Divali is marked with a host of activities in the homes where various dishes and sweets are prepared and Pooja (prayer) is performed. Most Hindus would offer Jhal (offering of water and flowers in a brass vessel called Lota) early in the morning. Family members participate in evening worship at 6 o’clock to Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. They then light their homes with several dozens of deyas and distribute Prasad and other delicacies to their families, friends and the community. This sacred festival is known to bring about positive feelings in the community, marked by unity, cleanliness, harmony and festivity.
DIVALI CUISINE
SAVOURY DISHES
- Curried Mixed Vegetables
- Curried Channa and Potato (Chick Peas)
- Curried Chataigne
- Dhal
- Eggplant (Melongene)Chokha
- Mango Talkari
- Phoulorie
- Saheena
- Kachori
SWEETS
- Parsad
- Ladoo
- Barfi
- Goolab Jamoon
- Kurma
- Ras Gulla
Ref: Courtesy: From the Nalis Website (https://www.nalis.gov.tt/resources/tt-content-guide/divali/)