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The meaning of the Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights, more commonly known as Divali or Diwali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in the Hindu calendar. Its name derives from the Sanskrit term “Deepavali”, which translates to “a row of lights”. Across the world, it is a moment of spiritual renewal, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Families light rows of deyas, which are small earthen lamps fuelled by oil, to illuminate their homes and surroundings. This act represents the inner light that protects people from spiritual darkness and guides them towards truth and righteousness. The festival is not confined to one single story or region, as Hinduism has diverse traditions, but at its heart it carries a shared message of hope, resilience, and unity.
Names and spellings around the world
Though the name Divali is most common in Trinidad and Tobago, in other parts of the world the festival is often spelled Diwali. In northern India, it is associated with the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to the kingdom of Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile, with villagers lighting lamps to welcome them home.
In southern India, the festival marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, while in western India it coincides with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The variations in narratives and rituals highlight the cultural diversity within Hinduism, yet the shared custom of lighting lamps unites all celebrants.
Beyond India and Trinidad, Divali is celebrated in Nepal as Tihar, in Sri Lanka as Deepavali, and in the diaspora communities of Guyana, Suriname, Mauritius, Fiji, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and beyond. Each version of the Festival of Lights adapts to its social and cultural setting while retaining its core essence.
Divali in Trinidad and Tobago
In Trinidad and Tobago, Divali holds a special place as a national holiday. The twin-island republic is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the Caribbean, with roots tracing back to the arrival of indentured labourers from India in the mid-19th century.
These labourers, who came between 1845 and 1917, carried with them their languages, traditions, and spiritual practices. Over time, their descendants integrated into Trinidadian society while preserving many aspects of their heritage, including the observance of Divali. Today, Divali is celebrated not only by Hindus but embraced by people of diverse backgrounds who admire the festival’s universal themes of light and hope.
Rituals and preparations
The celebration in Trinidad is both deeply spiritual and vibrantly communal. In the weeks leading up to Divali, homes are thoroughly cleaned, repainted, and decorated to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. Families purchase new clothes, prepare sweets and savouries, and arrange for elaborate pujas, or prayer rituals.
On the day of the festival, the centrepiece is the Lakshmi Puja, during which devotees invite the goddess of wealth and prosperity into their homes by lighting lamps and offering prayers. Deyas are placed along pathways, in gardens, on walls, and in public spaces, creating a breathtaking sea of light as night falls. The fragrance of incense, the sound of bhajans or devotional songs, and the sharing of food with neighbours and friends add to the atmosphere of reverence and joy.
Food and togetherness
Food plays an integral role in the Festival of Lights in Trinidad. Traditional dishes are prepared without meat, fish, or alcohol, as many celebrants observe a period of vegetarianism during this time. Sweets such as barfi, ladoo, and gulab jamun are staples, along with savoury offerings like kachori, aloo pies, and saheena.
These are shared not only within families but among neighbours of all religions and ethnicities, embodying the spirit of inclusiveness. The open exchange of meals during Divali demonstrates how the festival bridges cultural divides, making it a national celebration of unity.
The Divali Nagar
One of the most distinctive features of Divali in Trinidad and Tobago is the Divali Nagar, an annual cultural exposition held in Chaguanas. Since its inception in 1986, the Divali Nagar has become a central attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The Nagar is a vibrant blend of educational exhibits, theatrical performances, music, dance, and food. It provides a platform to highlight the heritage of Indian culture while fostering intercultural understanding. Schools, cultural organisations, and artists all contribute to the Nagar, ensuring that younger generations continue to learn and appreciate the values underpinning the Festival of Lights.
Light as a symbol across cultures
While Divali is primarily a Hindu festival, the symbol of light resonates far beyond its religious origins. In Christianity, light represents the presence of Christ. In Islam, light is a metaphor for divine guidance. In Judaism, the festival of Hanukkah also celebrates the miracle of light.
By recognising these connections, the Festival of Lights in Trinidad and Tobago becomes more than a Hindu observance; it evolves into a universal message relevant to all faiths and traditions. The glowing deyas across villages and cities serve as a reminder that light, whether spiritual, moral, or intellectual, is essential for humanity’s survival and progress.
Divali’s place in the global calendar
Globally, Divali has become one of the most recognised cultural events. Major landmarks such as the London Eye, Times Square in New York, and Sydney Opera House have hosted Divali celebrations, highlighting its status as a global festival. In countries with large Indian communities, the festival is marked by public holidays, parades, and large-scale cultural events.
Trinidad and Tobago stands out as one of the few non-Asian nations to grant a public holiday for Divali, placing it alongside India, Nepal, Fiji, and Mauritius in recognising the significance of the Festival of Lights. This highlights the extent to which the festival has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries to become a celebration of humanity’s shared values.
Unity in diversity
The Trinidadian observance of Divali is a living example of unity in diversity. In a nation known for its cultural mosaic, where Carnival, Hosay, Eid, Christmas, and Emancipation Day all hold national significance, Divali reinforces the importance of respecting and embracing difference. People of all faiths often join in the lighting of deyas, attend cultural events, and partake in the meals.
Schools organise programmes where students learn the meaning of the Festival of Lights, encouraging interfaith dialogue and cultural pride. This shared participation strengthens the social fabric and demonstrates how cultural traditions can contribute to harmony rather than division.
Divali as a spiritual journey
At its deepest level, Divali is not only about outward celebration but also about inward reflection. The lighting of lamps symbolises the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of the soul. Many Hindus use the occasion to renew personal vows of honesty, compassion, and humility.
Families come together to forgive past grievances and begin anew, guided by the principle that light must always overcome darkness. For those living in the diaspora, especially in Trinidad, celebrating Divali is also a way of connecting with ancestral roots, ensuring that traditions remain alive and meaningful in a modern context.
Challenges and adaptations
Like many cultural traditions, Divali faces challenges in the modern era. Urbanisation, environmental concerns about the use of clay lamps and oil, and the influence of globalisation have altered some practices.
However, communities in Trinidad and elsewhere have adapted by promoting environmentally friendly deyas, introducing solar-powered lights, and balancing tradition with innovation. The continued vibrancy of Divali despite these changes demonstrates its resilience and ability to remain relevant across generations.
The Festival of Lights and its future
The Festival of Lights is not simply a religious event. It is a celebration of humanity’s eternal hope that light will prevail. In Trinidad and Tobago, the festival continues to grow in prominence, attracting international visitors who are eager to experience its unique Caribbean expression.
By integrating history, spirituality, culture, and community, the Trinidadian celebration of Divali contributes to the global recognition of the festival as one of the most important cultural events of the modern world. Its message of light, unity, and renewal is timeless, offering inspiration for all who seek meaning in times of uncertainty.
The Light that connects us all
Divali, or Diwali, the Festival of Lights, has many stories, names, and expressions, but its essence remains the same everywhere: the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In Trinidad and Tobago, this global festival has found a vibrant home, where cultural pride meets inclusivity, and tradition meets adaptation.
Each year, when the lamps are lit, they connect the people of Trinidad with communities in India, Nepal, Fiji, and across the diaspora, affirming the universal need for light in all its forms. The festival reminds us that no matter where we are in the world, or what faith we follow, light has the power to guide us, unite us, and renew us.
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