f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

Indian Festivals
CaféMoka
Shree Ram, born the eldest son of a king in Ayodia, was destined
to destroy the powerful demon Ravana (pronounced Rawana) who
lives in Lanka. But fulfilling his purpose is not a simple task; Shree
Ram endures palace intrigue, betrayal and finds love along the
way to his destiny.
Each of T&T’s approximately thirty-six Ramleela groups act out
this drama with individual style between September and October
each year. Most groups are located in central Trinidad and many still
act out the story on open ground (without a stage). The productions
can use up to 100 players and take between nine to eleven nights
to complete. The spectacle is sacred. But the mystical tale will draw
you into the richness of one of T&T’s most widely practised religions.
Divali
This Hindu “festival of lights” is held on the darkest night of the
month of Kartik, which runs from mid-October to mid-November.
Pronounced as “Diwali,” it is characterised by the spectacular
display of hundreds of lit deyas (small clay lamps) outside houses,
on walls and perched upon homemade bamboo stands. Deyas are
said to have lit Shree Ram’s path back to Ayodia after his exile.
Children are allowed to light firecrackers or “buss bamboo” (using
the bamboo as an explosive) to represent the defeat of Ravana.
Divali is celebrated all over the world, with devotees wishing
each other Shubh Divali or Happy Divali. In the Caribbean and
especially in T&T, the festival is celebrated in accordance with the
custom in the Indian provinces of Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar
Pradesh, since many indentured servants came from these areas.
Because Divali traditionally marks the end of the harvest season
in many countries, Hindus honour goddess Lakshmi with a puja
(prayer ritual) at 6 p.m., just when the first deya is lit, to thank her
for bringing wealth and prosperity. They may abstain from meat,
alcohol or intimate relations for up to a month before Divali, and
ensure that their houses are kept clean so that Mother Lakshmi
will enter on Divali night and bless the household. On the day itself,
Hindus prepare feasts with special food and sweets to share with their
neighbours, wear new clothes and look forward to the year ahead.
Phagwa
It’s hard to believe that this picturesque spring festival, celebrated
by children and adults alike, has such gruesome symbolism. But it’s
true; Phagwa (Holi) is the celebration of the death of Hiranyakashipu,
a king who was blessed by the creator Brahma but used his power for
evil instead of good. He was killed by an avatar of Lord Vishnu because
of his evil deeds and intentions toward his son Prahalad, a true
devotee. Hindus celebrate Phagwa by playfully squirting a coloured
fluid called abeer on each other in pastoral settings, representing
the spurting blood of King Hiranyakashipu. Abeer was originally
red, but can now be found in colours like pink, purple and blue.
Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, which may fall anywhere
between August and November since the Islamic calendar is lunar
and not fixed like the solar calendar. Muslims are commanded to
fast from eating and drinking during this month from dawn until
dusk; the purpose of this fast is to remember those who are less
fortunate. They may also give alms to the poor at this time. Fasting
increases a Muslim’s taqwah (relationship with Allah) and so when
they make dua (pray), their prayers are more likely to be heard and
answered.
At the end of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr is a feasting festival, but it
is important to note that over-eating is not considered true Islam.
Families wear new clothes, eat breakfast and then visit their
mosque for prayers. Afterward, they may go to visit friends and
family to share a meal with special sweets and pastries. During this
time, Muslims and non-Muslims commonly greet each other with
Eid Mubarak or Happy Eid.
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The Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago