Lacklustre Divali celebrations in Central Trinidad were blamed on the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of the economy.
Guardian Media visited the community of Felicity, Chaguanas on Divali night.
Felicity is considered the mecca of celebrations in Central.
Villagers lit deyas in their yards and stayed within their compound rather than venturing on to the streets.
One section of the Cacandee Road was lit with electrical lights which spiralled around PVC pipeline arches.
The grand, majestic displays of years gone by, were nowhere to be found.
Gangaram Seepersad, a member of the Central Felicity Divali Committee, said celebrations were slashed by 75 per cent. Seepersad said the committee had discussions with the authorities and decided to scale down celebrations.
He said in 2019 the area was elaborately decorated.
Krishna George,66, another resident of Felicity said sponsors were not coughing up any cash for celebrations.
George said people were still coming and passing through the streets in the safety of their cars.
Angelina George, 14, said she found this year’s celebration “boring.” The younger George said she wished she could visit her friends. Other residents said they hope a cure for the virus would be found soon so Divali 2021 can be brighter than this year’s celebrations.