The Tobago Hindu Society hosted its annual Divali celebrations weeks ahead of the Hindu Festival of Lights.
The event took place at Lowlands Mall on Saturday, where members of the public were invited to enjoy a cultural showcase of East Indian song, dance and music.
President of the Tobago Hindu Society, Pulwatty Beepath, said they are excited to share their culture with Tobagonians each year.
“In Tobago, everybody is one; we celebrate Tobago, the people of Tobago unite together; we have nobody segregating, everybody cooperates, and I want to wish everybody happy Divali.”
Despite being a small community, Mrs Beepath said Hindus continue to be welcomed and appreciated by Tobagonians.
“Tobagonians, they look forward when we have the Divali programme and other programmes. At my home Divali day, they come to my home on Divali day, they will collect their food, and we have a very good understanding.”
Also attending the Divali programme was Assembly Member for Bethel/New Grange Darren Henry, who urged Tobagonians to learn from the message of Divali.
“May we embrace the values that unite us: love, kindness, forgiveness, compassion and respect. May the light of Divali inspire us to support those facing challenges, lend a helping hand to those in need.”
Senator Ashworth Jack was also present and encouraged people to recognise the commonalities among different ethnicities and religions, while embracing both their similarities and differences.
Meanwhile, members of the public took part in pick-a-pan trivia, testing their knowledge of Divali.
Mrs Beepath also expressed hope that this would be the last time the Divali programme was held at Lowlands Mall, as construction of Tobago’s first mandir, or Hindu temple, is nearing completion.
“In preparation for the Hindu temple, the stage is being tiled. So as soon as the tiling of the stage is finished, we are waiting to do the floor, and when that is completed, the temple will be completed, but we are waiting on electricity.”