Trinidad and Tobago Prepares for Divali
By Claudia Liburd
Reporter - SKNVibes.com
(Port-of-Spain, Trinidad) --- Members of the Hindu faith as well the general population of Trinidad and Tobago at large is currently preparing to celebrate Divali next Friday by lighting of diyas and historical Indian garb.
Ms. Stasha Valkissoon of the Bamboo area explained the significance of Divali in an exclusive interview with SKNVibes.com.
“First, there is general cleaning and house decoration to ensure that the house is prepared for Divali. Secondly there is a whole lot of food. You have to cook non-vegetarian food for Divali Day because you fast for 14 days before Divali Day. So we cook a lot of rice, chana, roti macaroni, bust-up-shot and mango and other cultural foods.
“There is the religious part and social part of Divali. The religious part is when Lord Rama returns to Ayodya after defeating the evil demon Rawan. Divali signifies light over darkness and victory when knowledge will conquer ignorance. Overall it is symbolic of good over evil. The lighting of the diyas helps you to see things differently and gain more knowledge”, said Ms. Valkissoon. ~~Adz:Right~~
Divali known as the Festival of Lights is celebrated by Hindus in India and around the globe and it symbolizes the lifting of spiritual darkness. It is observed on the new moon day of the Kaartik in the Hindu calendar and Divali Day can occur anytime between the 14th day in the dark half and the 2nd day in the bright half of the Kaartik.
