With the Covid-19 lockdown no longer in force, thousands of Essequibians celebrated the Hindu Festival, Diwali, or Festival of Lights as diyas were lit at homes Monday night across the ancient county and families came out to celebrate.
Many families began their preparation for the festival by performing Lakshmi Puja at Mandirs along the coast. Pandit in charge of Affiance’s Vishnu Mandir and President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic, Sabha Kaydar Persaud, said that Lakshmi Puja is essential during the festival since the Hindu goddess bestows her followers with prosperity, good health and wealth. Then in the evening, families were observed lighting diyas as early as 18:00 hours.