Guyana Where and What 2023-2024 for website_compressed

Festivals in Guyana
DEEPAVALI OR DIVALI
In Guyana this is one of the most
colourful festivals known as Divali or
Deepavali ‘festival of lights’ celebrated
in October or November. Divali is
normally celebrated for four days and
during this time people pray, fast and
greet each other. But to understand
Divali one needs to know about the
great Hindu hero Rama. This can be
found in the Ramayana (Hindu holy
book) that is often read at festivals.
King Dasarata had three wives. His
first wife gave birth to their son, Rama.
The second wife, Queen Kaiiteye,
did not like Rama, the next heir to
the throne. Instead she wanted her
son, Prince Bharat to be king. So she
banished Rama and Sita his wife, from
the kingdom forever. They lived in the
forest for fourteen years and whilst
there Rama fought evil people. Sita
was kidnapped by Ravana and taken
to his kingdom. Rama won the war,
rescued Sita and brought her back
to the forest. He later returned to his
kingdom after fourteen years. The
people were overjoyed including
Prince Bharat, King during his
absence, who readily handed over the
throne to Prince Rama. The people
lit up the pathway from the forest
to lead him out of the forest. Every
part of the house is cleaned and new
curtains are hung. Special foods on
this day are prepared including metai,
halwa and many other sweet meats
plus worshipping at the temples.
The homes are decorated with clay
cups that contains oil and a wick
(diyas). In recent times fairy lights are
heavily used. Many Guyanese love to
move around the towns, villages and
communities to admire the diyas that
decorate the homes and lawns. There
is an annual diwali parade where
vehicles are beautifully decorated,
sponsored by various companies
on route from Georgetown to LBI
Community Centre Ground in a
procession. They are judged and
prizes given out. Huge crowds line the
route along the seawall and East Coast
road to witness this sight.
EID-UL-AZHA
Ramadan is one of the most
important times of the year for the
Muslim community. Thus, it is not
always held the same time each year,
because Muslims count their months
depending on the moon which
generally changes from year to year.
During this time they are required to
fast and do not eat or drink between
sunrise and sunset. During fasting it
requires or encourages them to have
good thoughts and do kind things. At
the end of this fasting period which is
usually a month, Muslims celebrate a
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