GAWU 2009 Diwali Message

Two things strike us forcefully as we prepare these messages in observance of religious events such as Diwali: the apparent swiftness of the return of the annual event and the consistent elements of the human conditions they depict every time we essay to pay tribute to them.

That is why, in participating, through these sentiments, in the Diwali celebrations of 2009, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) will focus on just two dimensions of Diwali this year.

Simple basic research would reveal that the more physical and material of Diwali has to do with the culmination of a season, of a harvest and an agricultural pursuit. Diwali, it is said, marks the end of the harvesting of crops in most of India and Nepal. Farmers are thankful for the plentiful bounty of the year just ended and pray for a good or better harvest in the year to come. Traditionally too, we are told that Diwali marks the period for closing accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle and the last major festivity before Asian winters. As a union representing the majority of Guyana’s agricultural workers, GAWU can relate to these origins. We wish that our members reflect on Diwali’s symbolism of successful conclusions and hopeful beginnings.

But perhaps equally or more powerful is Diwali spiritual dimensions. While Diwali is popularly known as the “festival of lights”, the most significant spiritual meaning is “the awareness of inner light”.

Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite and eternal called the Atman. Just as we celebrate the birth of your physical being, Diwali is the celebration of this inner light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance), awakening the individual to one’s true nature, not as the body but as the unchanging infinite, immanent and transcending reality. With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassions, love and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (inner joy or peace).

GAWU appreciates that all Guyanese are not Hindus- and need not be, but the messages implicit in the mythology of Diwali are universal and apply to all of us. May the Light and Devine Energy of Lakshmi shine on all Guyanese and infuse them with the love to live, work and produce together.

Happy Diwali to all Hindus and all Guyanese.