Belize’s Indian Community Celebrates Diwali

Diwali, originating from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ meaning a row of lights, is a vibrant Indian festival where celebrants illuminate their homes with rows of traditional clay oil lamps. These glowing lights symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, creating a magical and enlightening atmosphere.  In Beize, the Indian community has been observing Diwali since the festival began earlier this week.

 

Rakhi Bhujwani, Member, Indian Community

“Diwali is the festival of lights, prosperity, we have the goddess of wealth.  This is our Indian New Year and Christmas where family and friends come together.  We celebrate, exchange gifts and enjoy.  It’s a three-day festival.”

 

Benita Keme-Palacio

“When is this taking place?”

 

Rakhi Bhujwani

“Today is the final day.  We have it for three days.  It started day before, yesterday, and today.”

 

Benita Keme-Palacio

“So it started on Wednesday.”

 

Rakhi Bhujwani

“We started with Dhanteras, small Diwali which was yesterday and today is the actual Diwali.”

 

Benita Keme-Palacio

“Okay, can you explain to me what’s the difference between those three days?”

 

Rakhi Bhujwani

“This was where god Rhama came to Iotia and that’s when they had the festival for three days.”

 

Benita Keme-Palacio

“What type of events go for each of those days?”

 

Rakhi Bhujwani

“The first day, Dhanteras is when everybody buys gold and exchange gifts.  The second day is the small Diwali when you light candles.  The third day, we all come together as family and we pray and exchange gifts, have dinners, etc.”