First Couple celebrate Diwali at State House

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Arya Ali this evening celebrated their first Diwali at State House.

Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and wife Mrs. Mignon Phillips; Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Hugh Todd and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Walrond also attended the celebration.

Diwali is one of the most colourful Hindu festivals.  It symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Diyas lit around State House

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Walrond lights a diya at State House as the First Family and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo look on

The First Family: President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali and their son Zayd celebrate their first Diwali at State House

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali lights a diya as First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali their son, Zayd; Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Mrs. Mignon Phillips and Ministers Hugh Todd and Oneidge Walrond look on

Diwali celebrations at State House

Diwali celebrations at State House

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali (centre) and First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali are flanked by, from left to right: Prime Minister Hon Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and wife Mrs. Mignon Phillips; Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Walrond and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Hugh Todd