A Message from the Hon. Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton on the occasion of Navratri

On behalf of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, including the members of our Hindu Core Group, I wish to extend best wishes to the Hindu community as they embark on observing Navratri, which commences today, Sunday, September 29, 2019 and ends on Tuesday, October 7, 2019.

Navratri, which means ‘Nine Nights,’ is dedicated to the ‘feminine power.’ During this festival, devotees worship the nine different forms of the Goddess Durga who symbolises purity, power and divinity. Navratri is the longest Hindu festival of the year. It is also one of the most significant and ancient festivals on the Hindu calendar.

Sharad Navratri is usually observed in September or October.  It falls in the lunar month Ashwin, during Sharad Ritu. It is the most popular and significant Navratri of all the Navratris. As such, it is known as Maha Navratri.

On the tenth day after Sharad Navratri, Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi is celebrated as the victory of good over evil.

It is my genuine hope that this auspicious festival will bring much fulfilment to all our Hindu brothers and sisters.

I believe that Navratri also promotes many noble traits that deserve to be adopted and emulated by all Guyanese.

On that note, I hope that each of us will be able to banish negative thoughts such as greed, jealousy, anger, lust etc., and work towards promoting and building a nation of peace, harmony, respect and inclusion for all.

Shubh Navratri!