VI Hindu community observes Diwali
Hindus have had a presence in the Virgin Islands for more than 20 years, with the larger population being from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Others that co-exist among the Hindu Society of the VI are from India, Sri Lanka, among other countries.
There are over five hundred persons practising Hinduism in the Virgin Islands.
“Diwali is a very special occasion for us, very auspicious day. If you can compare Christianity with Easter, the same type of auspiciousness Diwali holds for us,” said Assistant Treasurer of the BVI Sanatan Hindu Mandir, Mr Hemchand 'Andy' Rahaman.
And as part of the observance, the Hindu community held a special programme at its mandir in Sea Cows Bay last evening November 10, 2015 where the general public was invited.
“We are an open religion, we like to enlighten others about it. We have been here for 20 years but it is still not really out there,” added Mr Rahaman.
He also explained that Diwali falls on the darkest night of the year and that it symbolises the overcoming of that darkness.
“Metaphorically speaking, that darkness could be ignorance, suffering and other things that keep people from climbing that ladder of success in both the material world and the spiritual world. So Diwali is a day set aside where they dispel that darkness by lighting lamps. That lamp will signify that spiritual spark which will enlighten us and dispel all the darkness of ignorance, greed, corruption, hatred, malice and replace that with love, peace and harmony.”
Noting that Hindus have been allowed to freely practice their religion in the Virgin Islands over two decades or so, Mr Rahaman expressed gratitude to the Government of the Virgin Islands.
“They allow us to function as a non-profit organisation and they allow us to practice our religion and it has been going smoothly for us and we remain thankful for that and hope that we can be able to grow and have a place of our own in the near future.”
Mr Rahaman noted that the Hindu Society of the VI has done several fundraisers to purchase a piece of land on which to build a mandir. “We are closer than ever to accomplishing that goal.”
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34 Responses to “VI Hindu community observes Diwali”
How would you know it is not an open religion?
You speak or True Light?
You should find out what your ancestors considered the "True Light" before they were trashed and tortured mercilessly to be converted to Christianity. Don't speak ill about other's religion. No one is qualified to nullify another religion - Not even the Pope!
Ever heard of the saying: "Square Peg in a Round Hole"? Well, I don't think a person of your caliber would, but this saying best suit your comment.
I like this story. Close minded people need to read and travel more like really.
There will always be a few Close Minded uncivilized Neanderthals among us....unfortunately, they are still needed in society...for something or the other, however, they do not necessarily participate in a positive advancement in society.
To discriminate against religion, race, origin should have been a thing of the past. Sadly, although slavery was abolished, these discriminatory practices has lived on, for people are being looked at and treated differently based on their religion, ethnicity, origin, etc. Sadly, our Caribbean community is dowsed with this stench of discrimination.
opinion is that is light years beyond and bigger many other human contraptions. Good for them.
Yo a very learned person..........you damm right about that bam! bam!