National Religious Holidays

In Guyana the major religions are allowed to observe their major religious festivals and holy days and this is done in a grand way as the following days are declared national holidays: Christian-Good Friday andEaster (The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ), and Christmas ( The birth of Jesus); Hindu-Phagwah (festival welcoming spring) and Diwali (festival of lights); Islamic-You-Man-Nabi (birth of the Prophet Muhammad) and Eid Al-Adha (feast of sacrifice).

Diwali the Festival of Lights

Dipavali means a row of lamps (Sanskrit dipa = lamp and awali = row, line). In many modern languages, the popular name has shortened to Divali. In Hinduism, across many parts of India and Nepal, it is the homecoming of Rama after a 14-year exile in the forest and his victory over the Ravana. In the legend, the people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (dipa), thus its name: Dipawali₁. Over time, this word transformed into Divali in Hindi. Divali occurs on the new moon between October 13 and November 14 depending on the lunar calendar of Hindus. On the day of Divali, many wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks. Hindus light diyas cotton-like string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with coconut oil to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. Diwali is also celebrated through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship.
In the main scriptures of Hindus, two main stories are mentioned: Return of Rama to Ayodhya: Diwali also celebrates the return of Rama, King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14 year exile, and a war in which he killed Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit ghee lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness. Since Ram traveled from South India to his kingdom in North India, he passed through the south earlier. This is the reason why the festival is celebrated a day earlier in South India. The Killing of Narakasura: Celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi, one day before Diwali day, it commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon who created havoc, by Krishna's wife Satyabhama. This happened in the Dwapara Yuga during this time of Krishna's avatar. In another version, the demon was killed by Krishna (Krishna provokes his wife Satyabhama to kill Narshna defeating Indra: Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It is the day Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. As per the story, Krishna saw huge preparations for the annual offering to Lord Indra and questions his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their 'dharma' truly was. They were farmers; they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle.
₁ Ramcharitmanas, Uttarkand
He continued to say that all human beings should merely do their 'karma', to the best of their ability and not pray for natural phenomenon. The villagers were convinced by

Krishna, and did not proceed with the special puja (prayer). Indra was then angered, and flooded the village. Krishna then lifted Mt Govardhan and held it up as protection to his people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepted defeat and recognized Krishna as supreme. This aspect of Krishna's life is mostly glossed over but it set up the basis of the 'karma' philosophy later detailed in the Bhagavat Gita.
Hindus usually prepare for diwali a week in advance. Cleaning of the home and surroundings is important because it is believed that the goddess of light and prosperity, Goddess Laxmi, would not visit an unclean home. On the day itself, the women would wake early in the morning and with the assistance of their daughters or other female members of the household; prepare a wide variety of traditional dishes and sweetmeats. Some of which include barfi, pera, gulab jamoon, mittai, kheer ect.
In the afternoon, the earthen lamps are prepared to be lit in the evening. A cotton wick is used in each dia and coconut oil or ghee is poured in them for fuel. In the evening when darkness is just about to step in, all the family members would join in lighting the dias totaling up to 3000 at times. The dias are usually lined in rows in front of the yard mainly and at various parts of the home. Some families make various sacred symbols such as the OM and Swastika using the lilted dias. People of all race usually walk around the villages to view the dias lilted and decorated in full splendor. Children enjoy spinning the wool of steel that is lit by the dia and firecrackers are blown in excitement.
Hindus after lighting and enjoying with their families share the various dishes not only with their immediate family but also the non Hindus and such as neighbors and friends.

Designs of lilted Dias in the homes of Hindus




Phagwah the Festival of Colours

Phagwah or Holi as is called by Hindus is not only celebrated by Hindus in Guyana, but of recently, it has become a national festival in which Guyanese of all race, ages and religious background join in the frolic of sprouting water and smearing of power on each other with grinch-like smiles on their faces. For Hindus it is considered the end of the year and beginning of a new one as it occurs on the last day of last Hindu calender month of Phalgun.
On the eve of Phagwah, Hindus get together to light bonfires either at the mandirs (Hindu’s temple) in which prayers and songs are sung to their god; immediately after this the celebrations would begin.
Phagwah is based on a story of Hiranyakashipu who was the king of demons, and he had been granted a boon by Brahma (The creative aspect of god), which made it almost impossible for him to be killed. The boon was due to his long penance, after which he had demanded that he not be killed "during day or night; inside the home or outside, not on earth or on sky; neither by a man nor an animal. Consequently, he grew arrogant, and attacked the Heavens and the Earth. He demanded that people stop worshipping gods and start praying to him. Despite this, Hiranyakashipu's own son, (Prahlada), was a devotee of Lord Vishnu (preserving aspect of god). In spite of several threats from Hiranyakashipu, Prahlada continued offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. He was poisoned but the poison turned to nectar in his mouth. He was ordered to be trampled by elephants yet remained unharmed. He was put in a room with hungry, poisonous snakes and survived. All of Hiranyakashipu's attempts to kill his son failed. Finally, he ordered young Prahlada to sit on a pyre on the lap of his sister, Holika, who could not die by fire by virtue of a shawl which would prevent fire affecting the person wearing it. Prahlada readily accepted his father's orders, and prayed to Vishnu to keep him safe. When the fire started, everyone watched in amazement as the shawl flew from Holika, who then was burnt to death, while Prahlada survived unharmed, after the shawl moved to cover him. The burning of Holika is celebrated as Holi₂.
Food preparations for this festival in Guyana also begin many days in advance, with assemblage of dhool puri, curries and sweetmeats such as peera, mittai, prashad (mostly made with sugar, milk, ghee and coconut) ect. This is important for the revelers as they need the re-fueling after visiting their neighbors, friends and families and also running to and from fellow ‘sprouters’ trying to elude being. This day is celebrated with special puja in the morning. This day is considered to be the happiest and colorful day of the year promoting the brotherhood among the people.
Traditionally the day is celebrated in two halves. In the mornings water is mainly used to soak each others skin. Some times friends or family members would be playfully threatened out of their bed to be soaked and if compliance is negated, the prospective ‘drenchee’ would risk his entire bedroom, kitchen or living room being thoroughly wet. Of course this is all done in the joyous spirit of the season. People walk down their neighborhoods to celebrate Holi by exchanging colors and throwing and splashing water to each other. The second half is of the day is a bit more relaxed and subtle as powder is casually sprinkled and dabbed on mainly the cheeks of others. Abeer which is colored powder is mainly used along with ‘abrak’ which is boiled in water to brew a bright red or green liquid. This liquid is fed into water guns and other spraying gadgets and is sprayed on the usual white kurtas and saris (Indian garments). Children and the youth take extreme delight in the festival as folk songs are sung at high pitch and people dance to the tune of dholak and the spirit of Phagwah.
Various Hindu organizations such as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha organizes an annual mela (fair) that allows the unique opportunity of bringing Hindus from all parts of the country at one venue (the Sanskritic Kendra) to climax in fun and true feeling of brotherhood that Phagwah evokes. The mela would have live performers on a stage with a local band doing most of the singing as everyone else dance and play in harmony.
₂ Bhagwat Puran


Friends and family enjoying the fun at the Sanskritic Kendra Prashad Nagar

Dowsing session on one of the streets of Guyana





EID-UL-ADHA: THE FEAST OF SACRIFICE IN ISLAM

Eid-Ul-Adha is observed on different days in various areas of the world this is usually at sunset on the day when the lunar crescent appears after the new moon, and can be sighted by the unaided eye. Because the date of the Feast of Sacrifice is determined by a lunar calendar, it is observed about 11 days earlier each year. The celebration of Eid-Ul-Adha is in commemoration of the command give by Allah to Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his first born son Ishmael to Him. The fulfillment of this noble command of Allah by Abraham signifies his faith in Allah. Eid-Ul-Adha is a day of remembrance. Even in the most joyful times, the Muslim makes a fresh start of the day by a session of congregational prayers to Allah in an open space. Muslims use the occasion to pray to Allah and to glorify His name to demonstrate the remembrance of His grace and favours. Muslims also remember the deceased by praying for their souls to rest in peace. The needy and vulnerable in society are also remembered by showing them sympathy and consolation.
How Eid-Ul-Adha is celebrated in Guyana
This feast of commitment, obedience and self-sacrifice is dedicated to Allah. Muslims wear their nicest clothing and attend Salatul-Eid (Eid Prayer) in the morning. This is followed by a short sermon, after which everyone socializes. Next, people visit each other's homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this happy occasion. In addition, like the pilgrims in Makkah (Mecca), the Muslims, who can afford to do so, offer domestic animals, usually sheep and cow, as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice. Some of the meat is given to the poor, often one third. The rest is shared among the family, relatives and friends.
In addition, Eid-Ul-Adha is a time when Muslims pray for forgiveness from God and strength of faith. They, in turn, forgive others, releasing any feelings of enmity or ill feeling towards others. Many Muslims exchange greeting cards at this time.

This festival is also celebrated throughout the Muslim world, through acts of kindness and charity to the less fortunate in society as a commemoration of Prophets Abraham and Ishmael’s willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of truth and faith. To Guyanese Eid-ul-Adha is a great reminder to all of humanity of the importance of principles such as faith, repentance, honesty, simplicity, equality and concern for the dispossessed and the poor.
To all Guyanese, Eid-ul-Adha reminds people of that sacrifice by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) which would be a source of guidance in this world for all times to come. It reminds us that we should have no reservations in sacrificing possessions to gain goodness for our families, society and ourselves. We must inculcate those characteristics, which raised man to a sublime character. We must shun mutual rivalries and hatred and participate in each other’s happiness. We all need, now more than ever, the spirit of sacrifice, selfless devotion and solidarity to boost this nation.

Family enjoying the feast on Eid-Ul-Adha



YOUMAN NABI (The Birth of the Prophet Mohammad)
This Muslim festival commemorates the birthday of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Mohammad. Muslims in Guyana celebrate this day with great piety. There are special services in the masjids in which there are readings and teachings about the Phrophet and the virtuous way he lived his life. At the time of the Holy Prophet's birth, Arabia was steeped in the worse form of immorality. Ignorance prevailed among the high and the low. There was no moral code, and vice was rampant. The strong trampled upon the rights of the weak, widows and orphans were helpless, and slaves were cruelly treated. It was into this kind of society that Mohammad, the Prophet, was born. He came from a noble family and his high morals distinguished him from his compatriots. The vice and evil around pressed heavily upon him, and for several days he retreated to a cave at the foot of Mt. Hera, there to pray and to meditate. It was there that he was given the first revelation of the Holy Quran by Allah.It is to be noted that this is also the date on which the Holy Prophet died. He died at the age of sixty-three and examplary Prophet, Statesman, Husband and father.

Muslims across the country would normally visit their masjids to listen to lectures on the life of Prophet Muhammad and will partake in a day of togetherness by feasting and reflecting. A special sweetmeat is made that is enjoyed by all is ‘saralee’, which is made from butter cream soda and flour. This is usually shared with neighbours friends and families.



Good Friday and Easter (The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ)

Easter is a Christian holiday. Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ after his crucifixion which took place on what we know as ‘Good Friday’. According to the scriptures, Christ rose from the dead on the third day, which is now known as ‘Easter Sunday’. Christians therefore believe in the hope of a new life (an everlasting life in Heaven) after they die. Easter is observed anywhere between March 22 and April 25 every year. Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar to calculate when Easter will occur and typically celebrates the holiday a week or two after the Western churches, which follow the Gregorian calendar.
Lent, which is the 40-day period that leads up to Easter Sunday, is a time of reflection and represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before he started his ministry. A time in which Christians believed he survived various temptations by the devil.
The origin of Easter is uncertain but an English scholar Bede, believed the name probably came from Eastre, which was an Anglo-Saxon name of a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility₃. Easter is one of the major Christian holidays celebrated in Guyana. Easter starts from Good Friday for some Christians. On Good Friday all businesses are closed and the atmosphere is calm. Easter Sunday and Easter Monday all the fun starts, especially for the children. The children would buy colourful kites to fly around the Easter season. For some children it is a ‘big thing’ to own a big kite that can fly the highest and sing the loudest.

₃ Barnhart, Robert K. the Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology (1995)
In the Caribbean, Guyana is the only country where kite flying is done on a large scale. The sky would be filled with hundreds of kites normally flown by the Sea Wall or other suitable places where the wind is strong and there are no overhead electrical wires, all shapes and colours and the buzzing sound of the kites that definitely makes a beautiful site.

Kite flying at one of the open parks


Christmas (The birth of Jesus Christ)

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 of every year. It commemorates the birth of Jesus who is regarded as the son of god for the Christians. Jesus Christ is believed to be the Savior of Humanity and the son of god. It is also believed the Jesus Christ came to wash away the sins of mankind by being murdered on the cross.
Nowadays, despite the commercial emphasis that has superseded what used to be a simple celebration of the birth of the Christian Savior (for many retailers, two thirds of the year's income is earned during the last month or so), the season has managed to retain its spirit of sanctity and benevolence especially in beautiful Guyana.
In Guyana, everyone decorates extensively with lots of lights for Christmas. According to tradition there is no display of decorations until Christmas Eve. Artificial pine trees are placed in the middle of homes and are usually richly decorated with tinkles and fake snow. Shiny stringers would hang on the walls and from the ceilings along with colorful balloons. Christmas Day begins with pepper pot for breakfast; a dish made of meat stewed in a special dark sauce.
Gifts are exchanged after breakfast on Christmas day. Then there is a late lunch made up of baked chicken or turkey, stuffing, garlic pork, homemade pickled onions and numerous other delights. Desert is the famous black cake of which the main ingredients is fruit which has been soaked in wine and rum for a several months. The Christmas beverage in this warm climate is ginger beer, mauby, or sorrel drink.
Most of the churches display nativity scenes; some of them live, and conduct several programs to celebrate the season. The days leading up to Christmas Day are filled with office and school parties. In addition to wonderful food and liquid refreshment, there is always a group who gathers to lead the partygoers in singing carols. Meanwhile various organizations sponsor parties where gifts are exchanged.
In the rural communities the men would visit friends and neighbors to ‘take a drink’ of alcohol’ Cutters’ or fried chicken and plantains is usually served.