Divali celebrations in Felicity attracted hundreds of visitors to the central Trinidad community on Monday night.
Cars lined up as far as Chaguanas to the east to pass through the area. However, organisers said celebrations were not as big as they were a decade ago.
Hostesses from Digicel spread the light of Divali at Pingla Street, Felicity on Monday. From left are Naya Mohan, Chelsea Christiani, Ariel Peele and Chelsea Mohammed. [Image by SHASTRI BOODAN]
Festivities already has begun to dwindle before the COVID-19 pandemic because of rising costs. With the recent spike in inflation, the price of oil to light deyas had doubled—it now costs around $100 to light three dozen deyas for around one hour. Many people turned to electric lights and flambeaux with diesel as alternatives to lighting outside their home and the sidewalks.
Mario Francis, centre, with his sons Mark Anthony, left, and Michael at Divali Celebrations in Felicity. [Image by SHASTRI BOODAN]
Along Cacandee Road, several arches were made with PVC pipes and electrical string lights. Many decorated their homes with lights and complemented the occasion with a few traditional deyas.
Visitors from France attend Divali celebrations in Felicity. [Image by SHASTRI BOODAN]
The largest display of traditional deyas was at Pingla Street where Digicel partnered with the community to put on a grand celebration.
Kwesi Taylor, spokesman from Digicel, told Guardian Media the company was happy to be part of the celebrations.
L to R Azaria Ramsahai shares a lit deya with Kwasi Taylor of Digicel. [Image by SHASTRI BOODAN]
The event attracted a number of domestic tourists as well as visitors from as far away as France.
