What is Diwali? A route towards joy, a response to prayers, or a longing for prosperity. A cherished dream of a soul or a dearest wish of the heart. A commitment of prolonging or a sign of exiting.

Isn’t it a signature of union, a blend of tradition and modernity? Well, “if peace had a gentle name, it would be Diwali, uniting hearts together the same”. Let’s explore the true meaning of Diwali.

Diwali, a Festival Of Lights And Unity

Di means ‘Lights’ and Wali means ‘Rows’ so together we call it Diwali, meaning ‘Row of Lights’. This festival is known as “The Five-Day Festival Of Light”. You may have caught a glimpse now that this festival lasts for five days. However, these five days reveal the true meaning of this event. Years back, it all began with a battle between Lord Rama (the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu) and Ravana (the Demon King).

After marriage, when Rama and his wife Sita were banished and spent time living in the jungle, Sita was trapped by Ravana while trying to follow a deer. How can a heart stay still when its soulmate’s freedom is at stake? Indeed, Rama courageously fought Ravana’s forces to save his beloved wife, Sita. 

Moments come and go, making way for new ones. Time slipped away, and after 14 years, the entire conquest played out. When the hour of their return to Ayodhya finally arrived, the people of the city were so overjoyed to have them back that they lit up the entire roadways to welcome them.

It was not the end, and how could it be? Rather, it was just the beginning. The beginning of signifying victory over evil.

From India To Caribbean: The Evolution of Diwali in Trinidad and Tobago

A vast sea of light and joy, endless and open where sadness can’t annoy. Diwali brings hope while happiness fills the sky. Let’s explore the affection of Diwali, before the first diya (oil lamp) is lit, and after the laughter fills the air.

Every ritual of Diwali holds a meaningful connection, whether it is the calmness of emotions given by the rhythmical dialects of drum beats or if it is an enlightened hope sensed from the Diwali lights. Since ancient times, Diwali has been celebrated each year. Can this really be true that love visits you, leaving no impact before it departs? Then how could Diwali?

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Indians traveled as contracted laborers to the Caribbean. With time, they settled there along with Africans, Spanish, Chinese, French, Syrians, and Lebanese. The brought culture of Diwali by Indians began to evolve in the Caribbean context.

From simple worship at home to the establishment of Hindu temples, from lightning diya in small spaces to diya-lighting competitions and from sharing traditional sweets in family gatherings to cultural events and celebrations, it all feels like just a heartbeat away, as if time passed in an instant.

Though different religions have different explanations about the historical background of Diwali, but now it’s just not a word of incident. It is freedom’s joy and a break-free bond of a chain for those who believe in it. Diwali, a traditional Indian celebration, quickly became a popular cultural holiday in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. 

What is happiness?

Happiness is like a soft touch of a lover, whether it stays for a mere second. Isn’t spending hours making traditional sweets part of it? Isn’t noticing a smile on your loved one’s face the essence of happiness? It is.

 Some call Diwali ‘Light over Darkness’ as they lit their first diya on Diwali with the spark of inner light, knowledge, and wisdom. Some call it hope over sadness which shows their pure expectations with what they decorate each corner of their house.

Divali Nagar: The Heartbeat Of Diwali In Trinidad And Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago, a pair of beautiful islands, located in the southern Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela, is well-known for its lively Diwali Celebrations, earning the title of ‘Heart of Diwali Celebrations in the West’. No doubt this island of lights hides a sacred fire. five days of Dewali

Day1: Enlightenment Of Inner Heart (Dhanteras)

 The first day of Diwali is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the God of wealth and medicine. A day to worship wealth, a day to welcome prosperity, a day to mark the beginning of a new journey, a day to improve oneself. What is it that cannot fit in this?

 Celebration

What a magical feeling when Diwali preparations become a part of the celebration itself! The excitement builds up when people clean and decorate their houses and buy new utensils, gold, and silver as a sign of prosperity. Dear ones gather to prepare for the festivals ahead.

Day2: Purification And Spiritual Cleansing (Naraka Chaturdashi)

  Day 2 is also known as ‘Choti Diwali’. An obvious win of good over evil, symbolizing the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. A name of conquering inner demons and freeing the soul from ego.

Celebration

In Diwali Nagar, the second day begins with a refreshing start. Furnishing smiles on their faces, people take holy baths and decorate each corner of their houses with diyas including the iconography of Lakshmi.

Day3: Celebration Of Love And Prosperity (Lakshmi Puja)

  Third day is the main day of Diwali. The day of victory over defeat, the conquest of Love over hate, the domination of hope over sadness, and the day when Lord Rama returns to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. 

Celebration

On this day, the whole Diwali Nagar becomes the hub of activities and festivities. Families gather to perform prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. As the mantras are sung, a lovely fragrance fills the air, bringing peace to everyone around.

Day4: Gratitude And Harmony (Govardhan Puja)

 Forth day is celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna when he lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger, holding it to shield people from the storm. Just as the lifting of the hill symbolizes protection, divine power, and a deep debt of love, this day is dedicated to thankfulness and sincere appreciation.

Celebration

Devotees (People) prepare a variety of dishes including sweets and a wide range of items, and create small mountains of food to give reference to the Govardhan mountain hill.

Day5: Bonding And Unity (Bhai Dooj)

 Day 5 reminds the strong bond of brothers and sisters. The way Yamuna (Goddess of the River) welcomed her brother Yama (God of the Death) with aarti and tilak to ensure his long life. And how the sister of Krishna applied tilak when he returned after defeating Narakasura. The relation of mutual respect and love.

Celebration

In Divali Nagar, sisters perform aarti (a ritual of worship) for their brothers and apply a ceremonial mark on their foreheads. Bhai Dooj strengthens sibling bonds, promoting a sense of protection and care towards sisters, which is the responsibility of every brother.

Celebrating Diwali with  NLCB Lottery In Trinidad And Tobago

What is the worth of a celebration without a price? Without a gift to share, it’s just a moment gone by. With this regard, NLCB takes the stage, cheering up the celebration, and lights up the scene, with the gifts that excite. Turning hopes into treasures, moments into memories, leaving hearts wanting more, and making everything right.

During Diwali festivals, prayers are offered but activities also take place. Hence it happens in the form of drum beats, diya competitions, dance performances, or talent hunts. But life’s puzzle pieces always hide a surprise. Just like the National Lottery Control Board discloses the opportunity to test your luck.

Now what is NLCB? The National Lottery Control Board (NLCB) is the official organization responsible for managing and supervising lottery games in Trinidad and Tobago.

NLCB provides several types of lotteries including Cash Pot, Play Whe, and Win for Life.

Importance of lottery during Diwali

Diwali brings people together to participate in games and festivities. Hence its presence in such a cultural event highlights the blend of tradition and modernism in Trinidad and Tobago.

With the happiness in the atmosphere and beauty of decorations, this lottery not only provides a positive impact but also promotes local talent by funding the ‘Talent Identification Activities’