Dec 2012 - High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago ...

News
Shubh Divali
The Trinidad and Tobago
High Commission
held its celebration in
commemoration of the Festival
of Divali on November 17th,
2012. High Commissioner
Nicholas, in recognition of the
festival’s special relevance to
the family opened up his official
home for the celebration.
“This is time of deep familial
connection. The home is the
centre of the family, its base.
I felt that there was no more
significant place for us to hold
this observance than here at
the residence.”
The chilly autumn afternoon
seemed not to deter anyone
as people came out in
their numbers to join in the
festivities. They came from
as far as Birmingham, and
Nottingham to celebrate with
those from London and its
suburbs.
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In addressing some 300 guests
of all ethnicities, religions
and social backgrounds,
the High Commissioner
referred to Mother Lakshmi
as the Goddess of wealth,
prosperity and knowledge. “It
is to her we turn for wisdom
and understanding in prayer
for another successful 50
years as an independent twin
island state.” His Excellency
also encouraged all to think
seriously about the message
of Divali as he reflected, “Much
like it takes just one diya to
banish the dark it takes one
person to make a difference.
We need individually to be
responsible and therefore
collectively as a whole we will
move forward.”
The High Commissioner lit the
nine diyas at the shrine for
Goddess Lakshmi for the start
of the ceremony and joined
Pandita Arsha Gosine on the
floor as she led the Divali
pūjā. Immigration Attaché
Narinesingh Lal gave the
feature address in which he
gave a detailed explanation
of the spiritual significance
of the festival. Gobin Dwarika
performed the bhajans.
The entertainment on the
programme included songs by
Dora Fernandes and Meera
Mankanda and classical
Indian dances by Crishna and
Camilita Budha. The evening
ended with an invitation for
guests to partake in preeti
bhojan (refreshments and
dinner).
Top Left: H.E. Garvin Nicholas taking part
in the Divali pūjā. lead by Pandita Arsha
Gosine; a selection of the crowd at the
Divali reception, the row of diyas lining the
driveway of the officcial residence; Classical
Indian dancers Crishna and Camilita Budhu,
image of Mother Lakshmi and the nine
diyas.
London Mission