Diwali(दीवाली) in 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago

Diwali in Trinidad and Tobago is a national public holiday and one of the most spectacular celebrations in the Caribbean. The island's Hindu population, descended from Indian indentured laborers who arrived in the nineteenth century, has maintained and adapted Diwali traditions over nearly two hundred years, creating a uniquely Indo-Caribbean celebration.

The centerpiece of Trinidadian Diwali is the lighting of deyas, small clay oil lamps, in breathtaking quantities. The National Council of Indian Culture organizes the Divali Nagar, a village of lights in Chaguanas that is the largest open-air celebration of Diwali in the Western Hemisphere. Tens of thousands visit over the nine nights leading up to Diwali to enjoy cultural performances, exhibitions, and food.

Trinidadian Diwali food reflects the island's Creole influences on Indian cuisine. Parsad, a sweet semolina preparation, is the essential offering. Kurma, a sweet fried dough, and barfi are ubiquitous. Savory dishes include doubles-influenced preparations, roti, and curry. The Indo-Trinidadian kitchen has evolved its own distinctive take on traditional Indian dishes.

On Diwali night, homes across the island are illuminated with thousands of deyas, and entire neighborhoods glow with warm light. Bamboo structures called bamboo bursts shoot flaming firecrackers into the sky. The celebration is truly national, with Afro-Trinidadian and mixed-heritage citizens joining in the festivities, reflecting the island's motto: Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve.

The Hindu Festival of Lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, observed with oil lamps, fireworks, sweets, and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.