I had modest ambitions for Divali: admire the deyas, wish people well and, with a twinge of guilt, enjoy a plate of Indian delicacies on the threshold of World Diabetes Day.
Several state-linked sponsors withdrew support from the iconic Divali Nagar and said they were redirecting resources towards community celebrations. The organisers insisted the excellent show would continue. Public money deserves scrutiny and cultural organisations deserve fair treatment. Somewhere in the middle came the claim that a pitiful slice of pepper roti with only spicy potato at the Nagar cost $40.
Our politicians love a deya, especially when somebody else lights it and a photographer is present. It would be refreshing to discuss cultural funding without first establishing who clapped for whom.
An Islamic institute advised against expressions such as “Happy Divali” and “Merry Christmas”, later explaining that its guidance was not meant to offend other faiths. One institution does not speak for every Muslim.
People are entitled to their beliefs, including decisions about worship. Equally, I struggle with the idea that wishing a neighbour happiness amounts to spiritual defection.
For Christians who love to spend Divali grumbling about idols, I would gently suggest examining our own attachments. Political leaders, money, status and being right on Facebook have attracted considerable devotion. The LGBTQIA+ movement also had a landmark victory at the Privy Council. We need the confidence to let other people celebrate without treating their happiness as a personal attack.
I see no harm in enjoying a Hindu neighbour’s hospitality. My position on karhi is particularly firm (the best dish of the lot). I intend to remain Presbyterian, although I cannot guarantee restraint around a second helping of curried treats. Divali morning was spent delivering the sermon at the anniversary and thanksgiving service at La Romaine’s church.
Fireworks presented the usual challenge. Apparently, the triumph of light requires certain citizens to create a relentless cacophony. The baby, the elderly neighbour and the terrified animal are expected to tolerate it.
The account of the horrific dog-bite video, with people reportedly urging that the animal be killed or stabbed in the eye, demands caution. The claimed connection to fireworks needs verification, but the many dead animals on the highway tell volumes about what happened that night.
As for the boating tragedy in Chaguaramas, the adults responsible for the vessels, their operation and passenger safety must face whatever questions the evidence warrants. People need confidence that the rules apply equally.
The Health Minister has launched an investigation into injuries to a baby’s hands during neonatal intensive care at San Fernando Teaching Hospital. The circumstances require clear explanations and compassionate care.
Likewise, video footage of an accident involving a marked police vehicle at Macoya requires answers. Emergency duties involve difficult judgements, but flashing blue lights do not make the consequences of reckless driving disappear.
And yet, amid all this, there was Felicity.
There were magnificent displays of lights, deyas and tassa. Streets were transformed through the work of people who had something beautiful to offer and were willing to make room for strangers to enjoy it.
That generosity deserves as much attention as the quarrels.
I suspect most of us wanted something very ordinary from the weekend. Delectable treats and children enjoying the lights. A greeting accepted in the spirit in which it was offered. Everybody getting home safely.
Let the investigations be thorough, the funding transparent, the roads safer and the celebrations considerate. Let people practise their faith without appointing themselves inspectors of everybody else’s joy.
At a hospital bedside, the questions become wonderfully uncomplicated. Nobody needs to establish whether the patient would approve of their religious greeting before helping.
Have no fear. Christmas will soon be here and we can do the whole thing again. The pepper roti will give way to pastelles, the fireworks will resume and somebody will explain why wishing your neighbour happiness is against their belief. Our politicians will preach goodwill beneath another set of flickering coloured lights.
Next Divali, I would like to admire deyas without wondering how we managed to turn so much light into so much heat. I will bring my appetite, my own beliefs and a willingness to wish my neighbours well.
Pass the channa.
We can leave the quarrel outside.
The post The season of offence first appeared on CNC3.
