kristy.ramnarine@cnc3.co.tt
A 22-year-old student has introduced a modern and safe alternative to traditional deyas during Divali. Shazara Ramnarine has launched water-activated LED deyas for this year’s celebrations.
A past student of Trillium International School, Ramnarine is currently in her final year of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.
A practising Hindu, she recalled that her grandparents brought a similar sample product from India two years ago—one she immediately fell in love with. Since then, she has tried to find a quality local alternative but was unsuccessful.
During her market research, Ramnarine explored deyas powered by solar energy and electricity before deciding on the water-activated LED version. She believes the water-activated LED deyas offer unmatched convenience, flexibility, and safety.
“My family and I celebrate Divali every year, and an important part of those celebrations is the lighting of deyas—which represent the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. These are important aspirations in troubling and difficult times in our country,” she said.
“I wanted to keep that spirit alive but make the festival safer and more convenient for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re two or 92, you can safely and easily light these deyas. There are no fire hazards when they are used around your home.”
The water-activated LED deyas require no wick, oil, electricity, or flame.
“Simply add water to activate the light, and the deya flickers with a realistic glow for five to seven days,” she explained.
“After that period, the batteries can be replaced to prolong their lifespan. These deyas are wind- and rain-resistant and crafted from eco-friendly materials.”
Ramnarine emphasised that the product is intended for decorative purposes only, and not for performing religious pujas, which traditionally use clay deyas with oil and cotton wicks.
The packaging and branding were a collaborative effort between Ramnarine and her mother—a prominent signage and advertising entrepreneur in Central Trinidad.
“From the outset, I saw an opportunity to align branding with the product by partnering with my mom’s company to design branded shelves, print ads, banners, and billboards as part of the marketing strategy,” Ramnarine said.
“The result is professional packaging for a high-quality product that stands out on shelves nationwide, blending cultural resonance with contemporary aesthetics.”
The journey from idea to market was not without its challenges.
“I had to navigate practical hurdles such as securing foreign exchange, ensuring quality control with suppliers, and balancing school and multiple projects,” she noted.
“It wasn’t easy, but my determination to turn a bright idea into a commercial reality kept me going.”
The Caribbean reach for the LED deyas is already expanding.
Ramnarine has partnered with a Guyanese company to distribute the product this year, with plans to broaden distribution next year.
“The early response from other Caribbean countries has been encouraging,” she said.
“Interest has come from both Hindus and non-Hindus who appreciate a safe, decorative option for Divali and other occasions.”
While inspired by Divali and Hindu traditions, Ramnarine plans to market the LED deyas as a year-round decorative item.
“They offer a way to bring warmth and light to homes, festive events, and offices without the smoke, heat, or fire hazards associated with traditional deyas,” she added.
“What I hope readers take away is that heritage and modern ideas can go hand in hand. We’re not just selling a product, we’re promoting a sustainable, modern approach to festive décor that can be enjoyed in homes, events, and offices across the region all year round.”
Ramnarine, who continues to balance education and enterprise, embodies a generation eager to honour cultural heritage while embracing modern and sustainable approaches.
For more information, contact (868) 684-DIYA.
