Light brightens the darkest corners -PPP
All criminals and those offering support will be exposed and such diabolic acts would be exorcised from society, the People's Progressive Party (PPP) said in its message to mark Deepavali being observed today.

The party noted that Deepavali is being observed at a time when criminal activities, seemingly centrally directed, have cast a dark shadow over the land. The party noted that the festival will serve as a reminder to all Guyanese that crises and criminal activities organised by evil minds will not remain hidden for long.

Light brightens the darkest corners, physically and socially, the message said.

Deepavali provides opening for reflection - PNCR
The People's National Congress REFORM, in its message to mark the festival of Deepavali said that it affords Guyanese the opportunity to reflect on its significance on the lives of all Guyanese at this time.

According to the party all Guyanese should take stock of the present situation and make a pledge to "never allow our dear land ...to be overwhelmed by sponsored evil forces...". The party also said that "valiant" Guyanese, committed to the cause of justice and peace will eventually triumph.

Have courage to overcome adversity -GIHA
The Guyana Indian Heritage Association in its message to mark the festival of Deepavali said that it was hoped that the message of the event would not go unheeded.

The association said that over the past eight months the Indo-Guyanese community - many of whom are Hindus - have been attacked, robbed and killed. It warned that there is a real danger that this ethnic pattern of violence will escalate over the Deepavali weekend since open threats have been issued.

According to the association "if the lights that shine on Deepavali night are to guide our steps through the coming year, then we each have to show courage and strength ...to overcome the evil that has been besieging us.

To do anything less would be to betray the essential message of Deepavali, that of light casting out darkness and good overcoming evil."

Justice brings victory - Arya Samaj
Since Deepavali signifies the victory of divine forces over evil, it behoves us to dispel all forms of darkness by the light of wisdom through prayers, noble thoughts and actions. That, according to the Guyana Central Arya Samaj is the universal significance of the festival.

In a message to mark the celebration of Deepavali, the organisation said that, while we should make an honest effort to acquire the basic necessities of life for ourselves and our families, we should also help to light up through charity the lives of the less fortunate.

According to the organisation, Deepavali is a reminder that justice brings victory.

In light of that, all Guyanese, especially those in positions of leadership and influence, are urged to use the light of true love, understanding and judgement in thoughts and actions to "help remove the cloud of darkness, fear, insecurity and violence that threaten our existence..."

Be illuminated with the will to overcome evil -GAWU
"May the recent events which witnessed ... setbacks for the criminal-minded...be a beacon of light leading [us] back to stability, peace and security...". So said the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in its message to mark the observance of Deepavali.

According to the union the lights that flicker on Deepavali night should illuminate our collective spirit "with the will to overcome all evil in our society".

The union said it feels that "Guyana is on the brink of being rescued significantly from the forces of evil".

Observe Deepavali with deepest spiritual fervour
-Dharmic Sabha
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is urging all Hindus to observe Deepavali with the deepest spiritual fervour by attending Mandirs and having pujas at their homes.

According to the organisation, all must earnestly seek Lakshmi Mata's grace and blessings for peace and stability.

According to the organisation, Satsang will held at the Rama Krishna Mandir in Kitty today at 8 am.

Embrace principles compatible with progress -Green
The festival of Deepavali is an occasion for us to reflect on our words and deed and contemplate ways to allow the goodness within our inner selves to be manifested in the cleanliness of our surroundings. So said Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green in his message to mark Deepavali being celebrated today.

According to Green, while it is a fact that we need to take pride in our capital and work to improve conditions, this demands a more serious approach to the health and safety of our city. The mayor urged the embracing of principles that are compatible with progress and development.

Guyana Islamic Forum extends Deepavali greetings
In its message to mark the observance of the festival of Deepavali today the Guyana Islamic Forum has expressed the hope that the light and beauty of the festival "shine into the hearts of our people and our leaders, so that we may experience love, happiness, peace, cohesion understanding and tolerance." According to the organisation this is especially needed in light of the "darkness of crime, hate, racism and intolerance."