sdmsh@tstt.net.tt

Divali in election year

• Life of a Hindu follows a series of sequences and patterns.
• Continuity of life clearly illus-trated in Divali festival.
• 2007 celebrations more widespread than in previous years.

The life of a Hindu follows a series of sequences and patterns, which are closely linked, and these strengthen all areas of existence. The Hindu does not live a life where each segment of involvement is separate and disconnected from the rest. Rather, each helps to shape the Hindu’s response to this world, as well as the next world.

The continuity of life was clearly illustrated in this year’s Divali festival. Commentators suggested that it was low-keyed because of the elections, crime and other factors.

This conclusion is wide of the reality. It is well-known that most celebrations and observances have various dimensions, some of which are clearly subordinate to others.

Apart from the religious and spiritual importance and significance of our observance, there are the social underpinnings which are readily evident. Nevertheless, we must not confuse the social and peripheral signs with the entrenched traditions.

It is a cultural tradition for everyone to become aware of or engaged in the village, community or central celebrations. These take the form of small-scale festivities or those undertaken on a more elaborate regional or national scale. Some of these attract thousands of people who use the occasion for social entertainment and leisure.

It is common to have crowds in a bazaar-type of environment with various layers of social interaction, product displays and sale, and other activities. Those who view these outward signs and symbols as the essence of our festivals will inevitably and inescapably draw the wrong conclusions.

This year’s festival allowed us to critically examine the levels of involvement in a wide spectrum of activity. On a nightly basis, Hindus were following and being part of the political destiny of our country as they assessed and analysed the political choices with which they were faced.

This is something which must be endorsed and encouraged. Political choices affect religion overtly and covertly. The governance of a country can determine how we practise our religion, the extent to which we can practise our religion, the things that will be available for us to practise our religion and what state or other support will be available or accessible to us to practise our religion.

The attendances at these meetings were huge and therefore the street, village, community and central celebrations were affected to some degree. It is also to be noted that the large-scale Divali celebrations were the ones that were mostly affected.

Patrons had a choice of two large-scale endeavours—the political and the festival. It is to be noted that the village or community celebrations were largely unaffected during this time. It was clear that the strength of the community bond was superior to that of the disinterested spectators at the commercial or sponsored ventures.

This telling conclusion is something that needs to be underscored. Its inference is unmistakable. Those who for a number of years thought that the extravagance and orchestrated were what the “people” wanted, learnt that these were social affairs and people did not attach great significance to these ventures.

Sure, they offer opportunities for socialisation and leisure but people do not consider them to be religious or spiritual in nature. Consequently, if another activity was available, they shifted with great ease.

This situation is contrasted with the “local” celebrations which occurred in the usual format, intensity and attendance. This, therefore, leads to the central point of our festivals as inward looking. From the small-scale observance, most people switched directly to the family or individual oriented celebrations.

Divali celebrations 2007 were more widespread and extensive than in any previous year in our history. The pandits of the Maha Sabha were in greater demand than ever before.

A cursory observation of any part of the country will reveal thousands upon thousands of newly planted jhandis (prayer flags) flying in the wind. These jhandis are an indication of recently performed family poojas (prayers performed by pandits).

People were not distracted or neglectful of their religious and spiritual objectives and most Hindu homes had their traditional poojas. No Hindu postponed his or her pooja because of elections or any other factor. They fasted in the usual way and performed their duties as prescribed.

In fact, Maha Sabha’s Radio Jaagriti 102.7 FM assisted Hindus to be aware of their duties and what should be done on the occasion. Because of their growing awareness, more young Hindus are participating in poojas and other religious rites and rituals.

Dharma is becoming more firmly entrenched and the practice of Dharma continues to expand. This year’s Divali celebrations provided a great truth with evidence of the flying jhandi.

Hindus may become part of socially organised celebrations, but they are firm, fixed and unwavering in the discharge of their religious duties.

n Satnarayan Maharaj is the

secretary general of the

Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha