President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud has condemned the wanton use of squibs and firecrackers that attended the recent Diwali celebration.
According to a press release issued by the Sabha yesterday, Dr Persaud noted that the loud explosions saw an alarming rise in disruptions of Diwali Pujas, satsangh and lighting of diyas and this was experienced by families and mandirs in several communities.
She was emphatic that squibs and firecrackers have no place in the celebration of Diwali and neither does the sale and consumption of alcohol close to temples and religious premises, the release said.
The wanton disregard for people, their properties, animals and celebrations by those who purchase and use these dangerous items should be condemned. The squibs and firecrackers are illegal and pose a noise nuisance and a danger to those they are thrown at, she stated.
She added that the use of these items was disrespectful in the extreme to those engaging in the observance of their festivals. “We call on persons to desist from this practice and on the police to continue their efforts to sanction those who insist on carrying out these acts,” the release quoted Dr Persaud as saying.
“We at the Sabha will continue to advocate for respect to be given to all at Diwali time and also on other religious occasions throughout the year,” the release quoted her as saying.
