The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Deep Jale at the Kitty Roundabout offers a dazzling spectacle, heralding the official start of Diwali celebrations in the city.
Hundreds of attendees, including families, youth, and community members, gathered to experience the festival of lights, explore the vibrant Diwali bazaar, sample traditional sweets such as gulab jamun, barfi, and samosas, and purchase diyas, rangoli powders, and colorful attire to bring the festive spirit home.
As night fell, the Roundabout transformed into a radiant display of lights, featuring intricate patterns of deities, rangoli designs, and symbolic representations of the triumph of light over darkness. Classical music and cultural dance performances entertained attendees while highlighting the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Hindu community in Guyana.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday attended the ceremony and commended the Sabha for its enduring role in preserving the nation’s cultural and spiritual traditions. He praised the organisation’s leadership, saying, “That tells a story, that this organisation has not only kept the values and traditions, but has kept a culture and spirituality alive through their work.” He also emphasised the significance of Diwali’s message, noting, “We live in a world filled with darkness and troubles. That individual light within each of us is more essential today than it was 51 years ago. That one single light can change the fortune of all the dark corners in a room, bringing hope and positivity.”
The celebration also honoured the legacy of the late founder of the Sabha, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, whose enduring influence continues through the organisation’s work and the family he left behind. Youth participation was prominent, with many lighting diyas alongside their families, symbolising hope, positivity, and the enduring spirit of Diwali.
Deep Jale remains a highlight of Guyana’s cultural calendar, uniting diverse communities to celebrate heritage, resilience, and spirituality. Through its combination of lights, music, dance, and communal participation, the festival inspires attendees to embrace the values of compassion, inclusivity, and the power of personal and collective light. This year’s event once again reinforced Diwali’s deeper significance, reminding all that it is not just a visual spectacle but a celebration of hope, culture, and spiritual strength across generations.
