Divali celebrations are already underway ahead of the national observance on November 8th, with a new event joining the calendar this year.
The inaugural “Lumina: The Divali Experience” at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando brought together devotion, cultural performances and a pageant celebrating young East Indian women from communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, SAPA and Radio 103.1 FM, the event provided a platform for local talent to showcase the spiritual and artistic traditions associated with Divali.
Opening the proceedings with prayer and reflections on the significance of Divali, Pundit Sunil Seetahal Maharaj emphasised the festival’s message of compassion, respect and unity.
“Divali is a time of us celebrating light over darkness. Though it is rooted in the Hindu faith, it is a message that we can all embrace, regardless of our religious beliefs and cultural background.”
SAPA’s General Manager Danesh Maharaj said the programme also showcased the role of artistic expression in keeping cultural and spiritual traditions alive.
“At SAPA, we believe that the performing arts are among the most powerful ways of preserving and celebrating heritage. Divali provides a platform for our talented artists to express their devotion, creativity and cultural identity. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development and 103 FM, we are providing a stage where faith, culture, and artistic excellence come together.””
The festival also featured the final of the 103.1 FM Queen of Hearts pageant, showcasing young East Indian women representing communities from across Trinidad and Tobago.
Together with the musical performances, traditional dance and spoken-word poetry, the pageant formed part of a programme celebrating the cultural traditions and artistic expression associated with the Divali season.
This year’s crown was won by the delegate representing Piarco, Chelcie Mohammed.