‘One Guyana Diwali Jalsa’ seeks to attract diaspora, will become annual event

The value of religious teachings and the principles of cultural heritage pave the way for understanding and President Dr Irfaan Ali is calling on families and communities to unite and support each other during the upcoming Diwali celebration.

“Today, we live in a world that is marked with immense darkness…Under such circumstances, as a nation, we must reenergize ourselves. We must brighten our individual light to create a collective brightness that will make the changes that are positive for our country and our people,” President Ali said on Tuesday.

He was at the time addressing the opening of the first ever ‘One Guyana Diwali Jalsa’ cultural celebration which was held at the Corriverton Recreational Park, Region Six.

The event features a variety of cultural performances, spiritual services, the display of traditional Indian cuisines and clothing among other Diwali-related activities.

According to President Ali, the initiative seeks to bring together families to share and understand their cultural and religious heritage.

As such, the Head of State said the celebration will continue in the coming years so that families from the diaspora can plan their activities during Diwali celebration to be present in Guyana.

“In the next five days, I want families to come out…enjoy the spirituality…Uplift each other, support each other and when we do so we will continue to build a stronger and stronger Guyana,” President Ali urged.

The Head of State said every community throughout the country benefits from the investments the government has been making in the various sectors.

But all of this, he said “adds to the economic prosperity of the people in the region.”

The ‘One Guyana Diwali Jalsa’ will be held from November 7 to 11.

The event is being hosted by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministries of Tourism, Industry and Commerce; and Culture, Youth, and Sport.