-by Nakasia Logan

As Guyana prepares to celebrate Diwali, the Indian Commemoration Trust hosted its annual Diwali Mela at the Indian Monument Gardens, bringing together food, music, culture and community in celebration of the Festival of Lights.

The event got underway with the symbolic lighting of a diya, representing the triumph of light over darkness.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh who did the honours spoke of Guyana’s rich cultural diversity.

“We should consider ourselves incredibly privileged to live in such a diverse country. I remain like so many other Guyanese brothers and sisters our diversity continues to be one of our greatest sources of our strength as a country,” he said.

During the event, he engaged with ICT leaders and trustees, including President Gavin Ramnarain, Chairman Sase Sankar and Former Chairman Hemraj Kissoon, recognizing the Trust’s contribution to keeping the history and legacy of Indian indentured immigrants alive.

The Diwali Mela offered something for everyone, featuring energetic live musical performances, authentic vegetarian delicacies and traditional sweets, intricate henna artistry, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing ethnic wear, jewellery and handcrafted diyas.

As the lights of Diwali shine, the message remains one of hope, unity and the enduring triumph of light over darkness.