Dear Editor,
I applaud Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran for his out-of-the-box, novel, innovative resolution of the conflict over the holiday for Diwali (SN Nov 1). He is offering compromise. It is one quality that shows he would have been an excellent President.
Since there is a disagreement among Hindu scholars (and politically aligned Hindu bodies that are pro and anti-government) over the actual date for the holiday (Nov 10 or 11) because of the appearance of the dark moon and new moon on both dates, the distinguished Mr Ramkarran suggests that both Tuesday and Wednesday be declared holidays on this rare occasion. This is a brilliant solution to placate the coalition government opponents (that is probably over 75% who will celebrate the festival on Wednesday instead of Tuesday (government holiday), and the government should give Mr Ramkarran’s idea serious consideration. Nothing is lost in awarding a two-day holiday as not much work will be done on Wednesday; people will still be in holiday mood to enjoy the festivities that will be observed by the overwhelming majority.
Clearly, a resolution over the date is not forthcoming from religious leaders. The government has to come up with a resolution that will be satisfying to both religious and political forces since it has become a political problem with government involvement in it.
The date for this celebration is tied to the counting of time tied to the darkest night and new moon (astrology) and the consulting of various religious texts. A two day celebration will make both sides of the dispute happy. And as Mr Ramkarran noted, it allows the government to score political points over its opponent (showing that it is willing to listen and resolve conflict).
At any rate, Diwali is not really a one-day event. It is celebrated over several days. In fact, in India the official holiday is Wednesday (no dispute over the moon), but most of the country is locked down on Nov 10 as well with shopping and preparation for the festival. South India celebrates on Tuesday (a holiday) and North India celebrates on Wednesday. So there are really two holidays, as Ramkarran eloquently explained, and workers are not penalized for the extra day off from duty.
Diwali is a time for contemplation, reflection and rejuvenation of life and a recommitment of duty to nation, while staying true to the meaning of lights (celebration of light triumphing over darkness). Diwali is a time for inspiration when people think about obligations to their families, communities and nation. It is supposed to reflect on the shining light of the future. It is a time for renewal of the home and of a recommitment to family life. This is a time of deep familial connection as well as of political unity. So how can there be light (family or political unity) when there is conflict and division, when darkness still fills the air of some politicians seeking to teach political opponents a lesson? This conflict over the date is an opportune time to bring healing (a central goal of Diwali) among political opponents and to reflect on whether it would not make sense to declare both days a holiday rather than seek to teach the Hindu Dharmic Sabha a lesson as some so gleefully articulated.
Diwali is an extremely popular public celebration, not just for the glittering lights and fireworks or singing and dancing, but for its focus on the meaning of the light, that has to do with truth, justice and liberation. It is the biggest and brightest of all Hindu celebrations in the world. In Guyana, it is very important to the national landscape. Hindus and non-Hindus all come together and celebrate this period with great pomp. It is a time of joy and togetherness. Diwali symbolizes light overcoming darkness (knowledge to overcome ignorance, strong health to overcome diseases) and good (kindness, peace, goodwill) overcoming evil. Many feel it is celebrated on one day. No, it is not. Sweets, food, invitation to dinner, charity are carried out on the main day but diyas are also lit on other days.
People look forward for invitations to the home on the main day to share in the distribution of sweets and food. Onlookers take time out of their life to revel in the magnificence of the lights of Diwali and enjoy the delicious foods. And in recent years, they look forward to the motorcade. If the motorcade is held on Tuesday when some Hindus would be lighting their deyas (as is the custom), how would people enjoy the modern day aesthetics of the festival? Spread the light (manage conflict with a compromise to bring opponents together) that will be eternally remembered. Diwali, a religious celebration, has become politicized over the date. A resolution to the dispute is urgently needed. Mr Ramkarran has attempted a solution that few even thought about; that is leadership, and he is suggesting one where the government has offered none (a take it or leave it attitude).
Mr Ramkarran, increasingly viewed as a statesman by elite and commoners alike, has been a fair, balanced objective commentator addressing serious political issues. The coalition’s rise to office owes a lot to him (being excommunicated from the PPP and not being that party’s presidential or prime ministerial candidate).
The PPP would have won had he been the candidate for either position in 2011 and/or 2015. Mr Ramkarran has shown great leadership on this issue. The coalition government should listen to him. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and President David Granger should seek to bring about a resolution to this conflict. Their leadership is needed now more than ever in overcoming what has become a needlessly divisive issue.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
