PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Activities to mark Diwali – the Festival of Lights – started this weekend with the annual “Diwali Nite” show on Saturday, at the Belair Community Center.
Diwali, is considered to be one of the most sacred of Hindu festivals and is fervently celebrated by people in all parts of India and across the world over a five-day period.
The Festival of Lights is celebrated every year between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the lunar cycle. It coincides with Hindu New Year and light.
The festival is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Houses are decorated with candles and colourful lights; people share gifts and say prayers.
This year the actual day of Diwali will take place on Wednesday, November 11.
President of Parliament Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams on behalf of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, wishes Sint Maarten’s Hindu, Sikhs and Jains communities a very Happy Diwali.
“This is a very important celebration, and we acknowledge the contributions of these communities to our nation. A community united despite diversity, is a strong community and will lead to a prosperous Sint Maarten nation. Once again, Happy Diwali,” President of Parliament Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Sunday.
