Diwali (Divali) in Trinidad and Tobago

Diwali (or Divali as we spell it in good old Tnt) is truly.... repesentative of our unique cultural diversity and unity at the same time. It is a time of great unity in our country as many indo-trinidadians and afro-trinidadians inter-relate on a grand scale. Of course there are the usual racists aka haters who 'love' only those of their race. Thankfully we have not had the ethnic violence as many other countries. Today is a public holiday here in tnt and most business places were closed as well as most government offices.
Yesterday (the day before divali) I chanced to pass through Princes Town (a town in the southern part of the island of Trinidad) and was surprise that the 'town' was overflowing with shoppers reminiscent of 'Christmas shopping'. The banks had long lines as well as the supermarkets. The significant thing about this was that the shoppers were not only of east indian descent but of all other races as well: afro-trinidadians, mixed etc. Truly Divali can now be said to be truly a national holiday. Many prepare sumptuous indian meals and sweets. Those who don't prepare any are invited over to share in the feast by their neighbours, friends, relatives and co-workers etc. The most awesome aspect of Divali is the lighting of diyas (deya in trini language) after dark on Divali night (tonight by the way. In the yards and gardens of many homes, savannas, etc many Hindu devotees erect beautiful structures out of bamboo by splitting and bending into various shapes and symbols etc. In a little while my kids and I will be journeying around our village/ neighbourhood to view the lighted deyas. Hope to bring back some pics. So enjoy!