Why Fly Halfway Around the World for Diwali?  Trinidad & Tobago has it all!

When you think Diwali, like any other major Hindu festival, your first thought is likely India.  It makes sense, as the birthplace of Hinduism India would be the place to go to celebrate the annual festival of lights



For many people, India travel is a major undertaking--flights are long, and India is, for all that it has to recommend it, overwhelmingly foreign to many people.  To make the most of India, most people need more than 5 days just to get over the culture shock.

Unfortunately, when it comes to this festival of lights, few of us have the time for an extended holiday and the long international flights.  Thankfully, there is Trinidad & Tobago in the southern Caribbean waiting for you to come and discover all that it has to offer.

Trinidad has a significant Hindu population, approximately 43%.  In 1966 Diwali was made a national holiday, with a special emphasis on unifying the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and local religious communities.  

Now, you can visit this unique island nation and experience a Diwali celebration like no other in the world.  Be sure to get there early and plan in advance: Trinidad & Tobago celebrates the festival of lights for longer than the traditional 5 days, and it is an immensely popular holiday.  

What is Diwali?

Also known as Depavali, it is the Hindu festival of lights.  The holiday celebrates the fall harvest, and as such is a time when people pray for prosperity.  The goddess Lakshmi is honored, as she is the special patroness of wealth and prosperity. Diwali also honors the victory of light over dark, both in response to the shortening days as winter approaches and in the metaphorical sense of spiritual darkness.

To celebrate the victory of light, Hindus the world over light hundreds of clay lamps called diyas.  Be sure to acquire your own when you get to Trinidad, so that you you can join everyone in placing the oil lamps along the walkways, in your windows and doors.  In Trinidad the diyas are typically filled with coconut oil.

In addition to the lighting of diyas, this holiday is celebrated by the giving of sweets (Mithais in Hindi).  As you walk the streets after sundown to view the lights that are on display by the thousands, be sure to taste the various treats that people will offer you.

My personal favorites are Barfi (A thick and heavy sweet, made with condensed milk and cut into bars) and Gulab Jamun (fried balls of dough in a sugary syrup).  Keep in mind that Indian sweets are rich.  Diabetics beware!

Be sure that your visit includes a stop at Chaguanas, and the Divali Nagar, the center of holiday celebrations in Trinidad.  You will be treated to celebrations, pageants celebrating the end of Rama's exile and traditional dances.

Learn more about Diwali around the world

Trinidad & Tobago

Celebrating Diwali in Trinidad & Tobago is a great opportunity to explore the rest that this island nation has to offer.  Rainforests await your explorations--find hidden waterfalls and beautiful birds.  Trinidad & Tobago is also an excellent sport fishing location.  Fill up your days and revel in the nights.

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