Nov 9, 2026
4 min read
Fewer homes along East Canje's main public road in Region Six staged elaborate Diwali light-ups this year, with more families turning to mandirs to mark the Festival of Lights.
The displays once made the road a major attraction, drawing families and visitors from across the region. Homes were transformed with colourful lights, while rows of clay diyas stretched from house steps to bridge approaches. Visitors walked the road to admire the decorations and see which homes had the most impressive designs.
The spectacle also brought heavy traffic as large crowds turned out. Children and families set off fireworks, spun steel wool and lit sparklers along the roadway.
This year, however, fewer elaborate displays were visible along the main road.
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha – East Berbice Praant Chairman Pandit Dr Deodat Persaud said shifting demographics and changes in homeownership may have contributed to the decline.
In an invited comment to Ignite News, he said almost every village now has residents from different backgrounds, while many homes traditionally owned by Hindu families are now occupied by tenants or have changed hands. These developments, he said, have affected how Diwali is celebrated across Guyana, not only in East Canje.
Dr Persaud cautioned against judging the scale of celebrations by what is visible along the main roads.
"Don't form your opinion based on what you see in the public road. Go into the villages because that's where the life is. That's where the light is. You go into the streets, into the alleyways, it's all beautifully lit. I can assure you that," he said.
He also pointed to a growing shift towards mandir-centred celebrations, saying religious institutions are playing an increasingly important role in preserving the significance of Diwali and passing it on to younger generations.
The celebrations began with Dhanteras, followed by Choti Diwali, when families were encouraged to light diyas at home. On Diwali night, young people were encouraged to spend time with their families before visiting their mandirs.
At Reliance Mandir, where renovation works are ongoing, the usual lighting display was scaled down. Some of the massive floats prepared for the annual Diwali motorcades were, however, put on display.
Dr Persaud said Diwali is a five-day observance, with festivities continuing beyond the main night through Govardhan Puja and ending with Bhai Dooj. He described it as one of the most anticipated events on the Hindu calendar because it brings families together to perform Mahalakshmi Puja and welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity into their homes.
Devotees pray for happiness, abundance and success, he said, expressing hope that Goddess Mahalakshmi's blessings would bring prosperity to families and help ease the difficulties they face.
He said the traditional lighting of clay diyas has blended with modern electric decorations, but the central message remains the celebration of light. That light, he added, extends beyond lamps and decorations, as every individual has an inner spark of divinity that should be used to bring happiness and hope to others, especially those in difficult circumstances.
Dr Persaud said even simple gestures, such as a smile, a show of love or an offer of support, can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
"The only antidote to the hate that has been perpetuated in this world that we see is love and love is equal to light and this is what this festival is about, bringing people together," he said.
He urged Guyanese to embrace generosity and compassion, noting that while devotees look to Goddess Mahalakshmi for prosperity, they also have a responsibility to help make the world a better place.
