Chapter Thirty Six – Diwali is here!

It is Diwali week here in Guyana, and I had a feeling it was going to be something special. That is why I suggested to my parents, my family, and my partner to come down and visit for this week. From the start of my time here, I have seen how vibrant Hindu celebrations are in Guyana especially during Holi and I could tell that Diwali would be just as meaningful, if not more so. After seeing the temples, the lights, and how much people invest in the celebrations, I knew this would be the right time to have them here.

Thankfully, they were able to make it work. It took some effort with schedules and timelines, but they managed to come, and I am so grateful they did. If I am honest, we probably should have planned for them to arrive a few days earlier. Since it was my first Diwali in Guyana, I was still trying to figure out what was happening, where to go, and when things were taking place. Still, we made it work and managed to see most of the major events.

The highlight was definitely the Diwali motorcade. The lights, the floats, and the energy across Georgetown were incredible. We also saw beautiful rangoli designs around town, families lighting diyas outside their homes, and people coming together to celebrate in a way that felt both spiritual and joyful. It made the whole experience incredibly special.

My parents, who have seen Diwali celebrations in many places around the world, said that this was unlike anything they had ever witnessed before. Hearing that from them meant a lot to me. To be able to share this experience with my family in a place that celebrates Diwali so wholeheartedly was meaningful. For anyone of Indian heritage, I truly think Diwali in Guyana is something that should be on their calendar at least once. The way the whole city participates is extraordinary.

While Diwali is rooted in Hindu tradition, the celebration here feels larger and more inclusive. It may be led primarily by the Indo-Guyanese community, but the joy of it seems to extend across the entire city. Everywhere you go, there is a sense of excitement and community that is hard to describe.

There is something special about how people celebrate in Guyana not only Diwali but other occasions like Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries. Each one feels personal and heartfelt. I think it comes down to the emotion people bring to it and the connections they make with each other. Celebrations here are as much about family and community as they are about tradition.

Being in the Caribbean also adds another layer of appreciation, especially when I think of my friends back in Canada. While they are bundling up for fall, it is still warm and sunny here. The heat never really changes, and it becomes part of the rhythm of life. The wardrobe, of course, is completely different—short-sleeve shirts, light pants, and lots of loose-fitting clothes.

When I first came here, I had one pair of jeans that were on the tighter side, not quite skinny jeans, but close enough. They were not made for this weather at all. It made me think about how fashion reflects culture and environment. In North America, trends come and go so quickly, but here, style adapts to the heat and lifestyle. Baggy pants are definitely in right now, while things like graphic tees are less common than they are internationally.

When I was in Chile a few weeks ago, I noticed a similar idea of how fashion speaks to the identity of a place. In Guyana, you can really see that in the contrast between professional and casual wear. Many government offices have uniforms, which I find fascinating. You can almost tell where someone works just by what they are wearing. It feels like a tradition that may have been inherited from British colonial times, but it also gives a certain structure to professional life.

Outside of work, though, people express themselves freely. I have noticed that a lot of clothing comes from family abroad or is shipped in from places like China. You see a mix of big-name brands, local finds, and creative replicas. There are always surprises like sports jerseys from teams or players who left years ago. I once spotted someone wearing an old Toronto jersey, and it made me smile. Something is charming about how fashion and culture overlap here in unexpected ways.

All of this the festivals, the weather, the little cultural observations reminds me how unique life in Guyana really is. You see diversity not just in people, but in how they live, dress, and celebrate. And that is what makes this experience so memorable.

The Good

The good has been getting to see my family and partner and to share this week with them.

The Challenge

Nothing really, but that is okay.

What’s Next

We are heading out on a family trip to the Rupununi to stay at one of the lodges there. It will be an opportunity to show them another side of Guyana.