Diwali in Trinidad
Hindu Festival of Lights

Diwali, or Divali, is the Hindu Festival of Lights. Brought to Trinidad by Hindu indentured labourers in 1845, it has been a national holiday in Trinidad & Tobago since 1966.  

Not surprising since about 43% of the population on the two islands are ethnic Indians (as opposed to West Indians). For date of this year’s festival, click here.

Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness on what is considered the darkest night of the year. To dispel the darkness, people light numerous diyas, which are small clay lamps containing oil and a cotton wick dipped in vegetable oil.

Also called divaa, deepam, or deepak, the small lay pots are temporary lights used for special occasions. Permanent diyas are made of brass.

Traditional clay diya

Diwali celebrations in Trinidad begin 9 days before the actual event with the hub of all  celebrations at the Divali Nagar (village of lights) in Chaguanas, located in Central Trinidad about 18 km (11 miles) south of Port of Spain.  

During the 9 nights  performances by East Indian cultural practitioners include folk theatre with skits and dramas, an exhibition of Hinduism and displays by various Hindu religious sects and social organizations.

There is also nightly worship of Mother Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), lighting of myriad diyas, performances by various schools related to Indian culture, and a food court of Indian and non-Indian vegetarian dishes.  

The Diwali festival ends with fireworks displays, the thunder of bamboo cannons and the sparkle of "star-lights" in villages across the country.

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