The small community of Patna in Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Divali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. During the course of the evening, bamboo structures of a Helicopter, Swan, Cobra, Bicycle, Scorpion, Tarantula and a train were set with Dayas on the eve of the Divali celebrations. See the process and synopsis on youtube
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
In Trinidad Tobago, all festivals are known by everyone because there are many people who talk to other people of different races. Divali or Diwali is a well-known festival in Patna Village. Mr. Bhasook Mahadeo (AKA ” Keeshan “) is a Hindu living here in Patna and he owns the bar on the street. He loves Divali and likes to get everyone to known of it by hiring Mr.Dexter, a craft man who makes creations with Bamboo. And every Divali, Mr. Dexter will create vivid creatures with Bamboo.
Busting Bamboo; The process is to cut the Bamboo and bore a hole. Then you insert fire through that hole. You run and the Bamboo bursts. That’s how I know to do it. It is very Dangerous so don’t try it. Coming close to Divali, and Mr. Dexter will finish his master-pieces. After they are finished, they will tie wire onto the Bamboo, then, Deyas will be placed in the wire. After, you put oil and a wick.
In the evening, Mr. Bhasook will start his show. Other children of different races from various places will light the deyas. Some do it for fun, some do it for the proper use (giving tribute to Mother Laxmi or Lutchmi- Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity) Divali is very nice. Hindus clean their homes, fast by eating no egg or meat for 14 or 21 days and on Divali night, they light their deyas in their home to welcome Mother Laxmi into their home and lives (for Spiritual blessings) and Mother Laxmi will remove any evil from your life. The light of the Deya shows that good will always over come the bad.
Voices from the street: Justin Ramsaroop, Patna village, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies on the eve of the Divali celebrations, 2007.
No comments:
Post a Comment