Residents of Region Two ushered in the Festival of Lights with the making of Rangoli.
Rangoli is an art form originating in which patterns are created using materials such as powdered limestone, coloured rice or even flower petals.
A drive along the coast on Wednesday revealed that many at governmental offices and private businesses were busy making rangoli.
Persons were seen together drawing and filling their designs with coloured rice. The staff members of the Suddie Magistrate’s Court said making of the rangoli is an annual feature for them. Persons were also attired in their cultural wear to observe the festival.
At Morning Glory Inc, staff members were also busy making rangoli. Each of the rangoli designs depicted the significance of the festival of lights. Several supermarkets including Imam Bacchus and Sons, H and J Supermarket and G and P Jaigobin and Sons also participated.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, many adorned their homes with countless diyas.
The lighting of rows of diyas commenced as early as 18:00 hrs at various homes. Many families did their personal Lakshmi pujas in their homes before they lit their diyas.
In the morning many mandirs conducted services in observance of the festival. Lakshmi pujas were performed by various priests from the various temples. Pandit Kaydar Persaud said Lakshmi puja is important during the festival since the goddess bestows her followers with prosperity, good luck, good health, and wealth.
Diyas were placed in lines as a way of welcoming those who were visiting.
