The lighting of deyas is among the most recognisable traditions of Divali, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
In Debe, the Divali Oorja 2026 celebration at the Office of Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal on Tuesday evening brought together religious observances, traditional performances and devotional music, as the community marked the significance of the festival.
The evening began with a traditional Hindu puja, with prayers offered to open the celebrations, followed by a night of cultural performances including traditional dance, songs and bhajans.
For Dr Moonilal, it was important to explain the origins of the celebration and why it still holds significance.
“This is one story, one of the epics of Divali. It relates to the return of the Hindu warrior king, Lord Rama, to Ayodhya, and they lit the streets and the villages with the lamps to welcome him back.”
Drawing on the story of Lord Rama’s return, the Minister spoke of the festival’s lasting symbolism and its message of hope in difficult times.
The light of Divali, he told the gathering, is about far more than lamps in homes and communities.
“Because it tells us that it is when you are at your darkest that the light will shine. That the light will shine when it’s you at your darkest, you will get light, and the light will be your victory. That is the symbolism there.”
He also spoke about sharing that light – likening the spread of hope and positivity to a single deya lighting many others.
A message, he said, that applies to family, relationships and the wider community.
“The meaning of that is that once you have a light in you, the light shines in you, you can share that light with your family, with your loved ones, with your society, your relatives, your workplace folks, the community, your political party, you can share that.”
As the deyas lit up the gathering, the music, the prayers and the shared traditions served as a testament to what Divali stands for: faith, hope, happiness and sharing the light.