Diwali in Trinidad

What is Diwali?

DIWALI, also known as Deepavali or Divali, is the Hindu festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated in India, Trinidad, Guyana, and many other countries and islands around the world. It celebrates the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

According to Hindu-Blog.com, Diwali is more than a colorful festival and is not all about celebrations, food,, and revelry. The Diwali lights which symbolize the victory of good over evil also suggest the need for the removal of spiritual darkness created by ignorance and ego.

When is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali does not fall on the same date each year. Instead, it is celebrated according to the Hindu lunar calendar, on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik, which usually falls between mid-October and mid-November.

In India, Diwali is often celebrated over five days, beginning with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj, each carrying its own rituals and symbolism. In Trinidad and Tobago, the main day of Diwali is observed as a national holiday. Families prepare their homes, fast, perform puja, and light rows of deeyas, while cultural programs and community events may continue throughout the week.

Because it is tied to the moon cycle, the date shifts annually, and Hindus often look to temple leaders, local organizations, or Hindu calendars to confirm the exact day. This shifting date is part of what makes Diwali special—it asks us each year to pause, notice the season, and renew the meaning of light triumphing over darkness.

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📅 Diwali Dates (2025-2030)

Year	Date	Day of the Week
2025	October 21	Tuesday
2026	November 8	Sunday
2027	October 29	Friday
2028	October 17	Tuesday
2029	November 5	Monday
2030	October 26	Saturday

What Does Light Over Darkness Mean?

Light is also a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness—to awaken who you truly are and the divine presence within you. When we become conscious, we can free our true higher self which is hidden and trapped inside this material world(the ego). We have to recognize and honor this light inside us–this light that came with us, that will never desert us—and allow it to shine bright.

Whenever we choose any of the following, we are moving closer to the light:

• living a virtuous life and performing our duties selflessly
• to be in the present
• to love
• to forgive people and the painful past
• to release toxic people and influences
• to give freely even when we don’t think we have enough
• to tolerate the intolerable
• to understand
• to not criticize, judge, or condemn when we think someone is different from us
• to have faith and hope in your darkest moments
• to think positively when negativity attacks you
• to make time for prayer and meditation when life seems too busy
• to take steps to control our minds and overcome fear
• to overcome addictions of every kind even though it feels so good to do it
• to nourish our bodies, etc.

As my Aunty Iya recently agreed that it is important to detach; which means detachment from all that does not serve our best interest. There will be tremendous peace at the end of this journey if we make the effort. I am a living testimony to this truth.

What are the Origins of Diwali

There are various stories of the origins of Diwali, but growing up, I learned that it commemorates the return of Lord Rama (along with Ma Sita and Lakshman) from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (deeyas, oil lamps) and set off firecrackers.

 What does ‘Fasting for Diwali’ Mean?

To prepare for Diwali, Hindus fast for an extended period -21 days- or several days, depending on the individual. Fasting is the abstinence from meat dishes.

How to Prepare for Diwali?

In the days leading up to Diwali, the house is cleaned, painted and deeyas are purchased to be lighted on Diwali night. The entire neighborhood is lined with bamboo and decorated with lighted deeyas.

Diwali Pooja

During this times, many families have their annual Diwali pooja/puja and invite neighbors. In Trinidad, the Diwali pooja holds profound spiritual significance and follows the sacred observance of Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother. Diwali pooja, centered around Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is performed with devotion to usher in abundance and harmony.

Families gather to offer prayers, light clay deeyas, and chant mantras to invoke blessings for new beginnings. This ritual is often performed at home or in Hindu temples, where communities come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. The pooja is an integral part of the festival, blending devotion, tradition, and the unique vibrancy of Trinidadian Hindu culture.

WATCH VIDEO

In this video, I share a glimpse into ‘Diwali Pooja’ and offer highlights from my recent trip to Trinidad, where I had the privilege of assisting my aunt with her annual prayers.

Why do Hindus Light Deeyas on Diwali Day?

As a young girl growing up in a small village in Trinidad, I was personally responsible for lighting dozens of deeyas. The ritual of the lighting of deeyas(lamps) is an offering to God and a form of devotion. It symbolizes the sacrificial offering of the self as an act of completely surrendering and becoming detached from the vices of the mind and the world.

⭐ Symbolism of Fireworks and Rangoli

Fireworks during Diwali symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The sound and brightness are believed to ward off negativity while spreading joy and energy. Families also decorate their doorways and courtyards with rangoli—colorful patterns made from powdered dyes, rice, or even flower petals. These designs are both artistic and spiritual, symbolizing welcoming peace, prosperity, and Goddess Lakshmi into the home. In Trinidad, children often join in by creating simple rangoli outside family homes or temples, keeping the tradition alive in a Caribbean setting.

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⭐ Community, Sharing, and Charity During Diwali

Diwali is not only about personal prayer but also about giving back to the community. In Hindu tradition, the festival emphasizes seva (service) and dāna (charity). Families share sweets, food, and gifts with neighbors and relatives, while also donating to temples or supporting those in need.

In Trinidad and Tobago, this spirit of generosity is especially visible. Many mandirs organize open-air pujas and lighting ceremonies, followed by the distribution of parsad, roti, or sweet treats to all attendees. Communities often host cultural programs where Hindus and non-Hindus alike come together to light deeyas, enjoy tassa drumming, and share a meal.

Because Diwali is recognized as a national holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, schools, businesses, and even government offices often participate in the spirit of the season. Non-Hindu citizens join their Hindu friends and neighbors in lighting deeyas, attending temple events, and enjoying shared meals. This broad participation highlights how Diwali has grown beyond a religious observance into a celebration of unity, kindness, and shared light.

What Was Diwali Like in Our Village Decades Ago?

Diwali in our village decades ago was a magical and communal celebration filled with traditions, preparation, and shared joy. Mummy spent the day busily preparing a vegetarian feast and an assortment of sweets. The culmination of her efforts came in the evening with the hawan/pooja, a prayer ritual dedicated to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and beauty, where we offered prayers for prosperity and new beginnings. We fasted throughout the day, unable to touch any of the delicious dishes until the prayers were complete. I waited patiently, taking my Diwali responsibilities seriously—always motivated by the reward of food!

During the day, aside from helping with the cleaning, one of my favorite tasks was buying deeyas (clay lamps). With a few crumpled bills in hand, I would head to the nearest parlour (local shop) to purchase them. Once back home, the deeyas were soaked in buckets or even a plastic bathtub to prevent them from absorbing too much oil. Afterward, they were set out on a galvanize sheet placed atop a barrel to drain. Making the wicks was another important step. I carefully tore pieces from the roll and rolled them between my palms until the strands were firm and ready to use.

As evening fell and the sun dipped below the horizon, I carefully arranged the deeyas in intricate patterns around the yard. Each was filled with coconut oil and then lit one by one in a beautiful sequence using a single flame. The glow of the deeyas transformed the yard into a magical wonderland of light and warmth.

As teenagers, we would dress in new shalwars (traditional Indian attire) and walk proudly through the village, marveling at the beautifully arranged deeyas outside each home. Of course, we couldn’t resist sneaking glances at the young boys in the village, though we were always sternly warned that it was bad luck to talk to boys on such an auspicious night. Looking back, I now see the wisdom in that “superstition”—a clever way to keep us out of trouble!

The boys of the village added to the celebration with ear-deafening bamboo pipes(referred to as BURST BAMBOO), a noisy but exciting tradition. Non-Hindu neighbors would drop by to enjoy the delicious “Indian food” and leave with bags of parsad and sweets. It was a time of unity and happiness, where everyone—regardless of race or religion—came together to share in the joy of Diwali.

⭐ Music, Dance, and Celebration

Beyond prayer and fasting, Diwali is also a time of cultural joy and expression. In many parts of the world, the festival is marked with music, dance, and performances that bring communities together. Traditional bhajans (devotional songs) fill the air during puja, while tassa drumming and Indian classical music often accompany public celebrations.

In Trinidad and Tobago, these cultural elements shine brightly at community events and especially at Diwali Nagar. Families gather to enjoy live tassa, dance performances inspired by Indian classical and Bollywood styles, and dramatic re-enactments of stories from the Ramayana. Children and young people also perform folk songs and dances, ensuring traditions continue across generations.

This blend of sacred devotion and joyful celebration highlights the true spirit of Diwali: balancing prayer with festivity, and spirituality with community enjoyment.

 

What do Hindus in Trinidad prepare and eat on Diwali day?

On Diwali day we also prepare a plethora of vegetarian dishes which, traditionally, are eaten on a leaf also called soharee leaf.

I invited Mummy(Indra), Aunty Iya, and Aunty Jang, her sister, to prepare a Diwali Feast with me. Press play below to watch how we prepared it, from start to finish!

A Traditional Diwali Menu in Trinidad

Diwali Appetizer and Snacks

Aloo Pie, Pholourie, Saheena, Kachori, Dhal Pholourie, Baiganee, Boiled Mango Chutney, Tamarind Chutney or Raw Mango Chutney 

Diwali Main Course

• Pumpkin Talkarie

Pumpkin is cooked with very basic ingredients including onion, garlic, and hot pepper. It’s steamed until tender and mashed into a smooth paste-like consistency. A dash of roasted ground geera, also known as cumin is added at the end of cooking to highlight the flavors and add an earthiness to the dish.

• Curried Channa and Aloo

  • Chickpeas and potatoes are simmered until tender in a well seasoned and spiced curry sauce. In my family we occasionally add an eggplant to the mix!

• Curry Channa and Aloo with Baigan

  • A delicious variation to curry channa and aloo with eggplant or baigan.
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  Curry Baigan and Aloo aka Curry Eggplant with Potatoes

  
  

• Bhagee (bhaji or bhagi)

  • Spinach (dasheen bush or chowrai bhagee-click here for chowrai bhagee recipe) is cooked again with the most basic ingredients including onion, garlic, and hot pepper to allow the flavor of the spinach to reach its full potential. It’s more of a technique than the seasoning that makes this a special dish. See also this variation with pigeon peas and ochro (as seen on the Diwali video) – recipe link Bhagi with Peas and Ochro. 

• Mango talkarie 
  • The tartness of the green mangoes is balanced with sugar and flavored with lots of garlic, hot pepper, and amchar massala. It’s one of the sweet components on the leaf above.

• Curry Mango:

  • The difference between mango talkarie and curry mango is that curry mango is made with curry, whereas mango talkarie is made primarily with amchar massala and geera.

• Curry Chaitaigne 

  • Breadnut (or katahar) is cleaned and chunkayed with curry, turmeric, bandhania, garlic and hot pepper, then fresh coconut milk is added to add a natural creaminess and enhance the flavor of the chaitaigne.

• Carhee | Kurhee | Kurhi 
  • A dish traditionally reserved for the pros–not many have the patience and wherewithal to understand the intricacies involved in the preparation of this dish. Split pea powder is used in two ways. First, it is seasoned with bandhania, garlic, and turmeric, then water is added to make a dough. The dough is squeezed into hot oil to make fried balls, also known as pholourie or ‘boulders’. The next step involves chunkaying the split pea powder which was mixed with water. Once this comes to the right consistency, the pholourie (balls) are added and cooked until it soaks up all the sauce and softens to make what we call boulders. Carhee | Kurhi  is eaten over a pile of white rice.

• Mother-in-Law: A Fiery Condiment with a Controversial Name. No, we don’t cook our mother-in-law! In Trinidad, “Mother-in-Law” refers to a spicy, flavorful condiment that perfectly complements a variety of dishes, adding a fiery kick to balance the rich flavors on your plate.

  
  

  Interestingly, during my last visit to Trinidad, I learned from a pandit (a Hindu priest) that the name “Mother-in-Law” might not be the most respectful choice. He suggested that it should be called “chow chow” instead—a much gentler term. Whatever the name, this zesty condiment remains a beloved staple in Trinidadian cuisine!

  
  

• Plain Steamed white Rice 
  • Many love to mix all the veggies with the carhee and rice. Some purists love to eat it with just the carhee. The option is yours!

• Paratha Roti | Buss Up Shut

  • For the purist that reserve the rice just for the carhee. The roti is used to scoop up the veggies. There are no rules, just personal preferences and tastes. No judging whatsoever.

• Dosti Roti

  • Dosti roti is a layered roti that’s looks more elegant than the paratha. It’s made with the same ingredients and will work just as well!

• Dhalpuri Roti

  • While paratha is the most popular, dhalpuri, the savory split peas stuffed roti is also a good option.

Diwali Sweet Treats

For dessert, we distribute bags of parsad which include fruit, Gulab Jamoon, barfi, kurma, ladoo,  roat and shaved coconut. Click here for Parsad Recipe

Kurma – this is a crunchy fried dough – flavored with cardamom, ginger and cinnamon. Click here for Kurma Recipe 

Gulab Jamoon – kurma’s fat cousin (Click for Recipe)- it’s a softer version and equally delicious!

Barfi – is another Indian delicacy made with powdered milk and spices. 

Ladoo- is a delicious and popular sweet treat made in Trinidad around Diwali and during the year for poojas and prayers. Ground split peas are made into a batter and fried. The fried dough is then ground and mixed with ginger, powdered milk, cardamom, and condensed milk. After it all comes together with a sugar syrup (phaag).

Some folks keep it simple and just prepare a pot of  Sweet Rice – also knows as rice pudding.

SEE ALSO: ROAT RECIPE HERE

What is Diwali Nagar?

⭐ Divali Nagar – The City of Lights

Divali Nagar (City of Lights) is one of the most anticipated cultural events in Trinidad and Tobago, held annually about a week before Diwali. Established in 1986, it has grown into a national exposition that celebrates not just Hinduism but the wider Indo-Trinidadian heritage. The Nagar grounds are located in Chaguanas, Central Trinidad, and transform into a dazzling hub of spirituality, culture, and commerce each year.

Walking through Divali Nagar feels like stepping into a living tapestry of culture. Dozens of vendors line the grounds, offering traditional Indian clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, books, and religious items, alongside a mouthwatering array of local and Indian foods—from doubles and pholourie to mithai, ladoo, and barfi. The air is filled with the sounds of bhajans (devotional songs), tassa drumming, and the vibrant rhythms of Indian classical and folk music. On stage, performers showcase dance, drama, and storytelling, often re-enacting episodes from the Ramayana or presenting modern interpretations of Indo-Caribbean life.

Beyond entertainment, Divali Nagar also serves as a space for education and reflection. Exhibits highlight Hindu philosophy, Indian history, and the contributions of Indo-Trinidadians to the nation. Night after night, thousands of people—Hindus and non-Hindus alike—gather at the Nagar, lighting deeyas and participating in a festival that has become a national symbol of unity, cultural pride, and shared heritage.

⭐ Diwali in Modern Trinidad & the Diaspora

In modern Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali has grown from being a family and community celebration to a nationally recognized holiday. Streets, homes, and temples are lit with thousands of deeyas, while cultural programs like Diwali Nagar showcase Indian food, fashion, dance, and spirituality to audiences of all backgrounds. Schools, businesses, and even government offices acknowledge the day, making it a shared celebration across the nation.

In the diaspora, whether in New York, Toronto, or London, Trinidadian Hindus continue these traditions by organizing community pujas, concerts, and dinner gatherings. Many also use technology—live-streamed prayers, virtual satsangs, and online diya-lighting ceremonies—to stay connected with relatives back home. This ability to preserve and adapt traditions speaks to Diwali’s resilience and universal appeal.

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⭐ Reflections on Unity & Interfaith Participation

One of the most beautiful aspects of Diwali in Trinidad is how it crosses religious and cultural boundaries. Non-Hindus often join their Hindu friends and neighbors in lighting deeyas, sharing food, or attending temple celebrations. Many schools invite children of all backgrounds to participate in Diwali programs, helping younger generations understand the festival’s meaning.

This interfaith participation transforms Diwali into more than a Hindu festival—it becomes a symbol of national unity, peace, and shared light. In a country as diverse as Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali reminds everyone that light, love, and compassion are values that belong to all, regardless of faith.

I hope my post inspires you to celebrate this holiday and take the time to think about how you can bring more of this light into your life.

As for the food, you can keep the menu simple with just this 30 minute curry canned channa and aloo and paratha with sweet rice (rice pudding) for dessert, or take a more energetic approach and prepare a feast for your family, friends, and neighbors.

I wish you and yours a happy Diwali! May the light of knowledge help you to overcome all the darkness in your life.

A Closing Prayer

For the non-Hindus and Hindus alike, this prayer will also resonate with you:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

With love and fabulous dishes,
Ria

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