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Why associate a Sari/Beauty Pageant with the Sacred Festival of Deepavali?

Dear Editor,

It is with great horror that we the undersigned Hindu women have viewed the news of the resuscitation of the Diwali Pageant. For years, we have protested against the hosting of an event that desecrated Sanatana Dharma and was sacrilegious to a sacred Hindu occasion. Promoters eventually realised that what they were doing was offending the sentiments of Hindus.

That some people have decided to form a National Diwali Committee and have made the hosting of a Diwali Pageant their main agenda on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali is very disturbing.

The mere fact that all that they can see relevant in the observation of a sacred Hindu occasion is a Sari Pageant makes one wonder as to the qualification/knowledge of these individuals with regards to Sanatana Dharma and what is their true motive.

Geeta Singh stated that the pageant is about learning to wear a Sari and applying make up—how does this apply to Deepavali? Is this how Geeta Singh practises Sanatana Dharma—wear a Sari and apply proper make up??

How can any Hindu with a modicum of any knowledge of Sanatana Dharma associate an occasion that honours and revere The Divine Mother with a Beauty Pageant?

Parmanand Sukhu stated that the Diwali Pageant promotes Indian Culture—what does this have to do with Hinduism? Indian culture is not Hindu culture alone because there are also Muslim, Christian, Parsi cultures that exist within Indian Culture.

Why not have a Sari Pageant then at some other time of the year. Why associate a Sari/Beauty Pageant with The Sacred Festival of Deepavali?

Deepavali is a sacred occasion where we worship Maha Lakshmi—the Goddess of Light/ Know-ledge/Wealth/Prosperity. Maha Lakshmi is not a Goddess of beauty for there to be a beauty pageant in Her Honour! In Sanatana Dharma, women are not revered for beauty—there are some very ferocious forms of The Divine Mother. So why has the National Diwali Committee, Parmanand Sukhu, Geeta Singh, et al, associating a Sari/Beauty Pageant with the occasion that honours Maha Lakshmi?

For the information of those who seem to be in need of knowledge of what Deepavali is—there are 5 days of observances for Deepavali.

1.Dhan Teras—worship of Maha Lakshmi as Dhanwantari where She is worshipped as the Goddess of Wealth alone—here one diya is lit on this evening —-Sunday 26th October

2. Narak Chaturdasi—the destruction of the demon Narkasura by Bhagwaan Sri Krsna—this is called Choti Deepavali as 5 diyas are lit on this night—Monday 27th October.

3. Deepavali—Maha Lakshmi Puja. We do puja to Maha Lakshmi in all her aspects—Wealth/ Knowledge/Light/Prosperity—then light as many diyas as possible asking Her —
Tamaso Ma Jyotri Gamaya—lead us O Mother, from darkness to light. Tuesday 28th October.

4.Goberdhan Puja—the day when Bhagwaan Sri Krsna lifted the Goberdhan mountain to save the people of Braja.

5.Bhai duja—-the day when Hindu brothers and sisters renew their sacred relationship—this is a strictly Brothers and Sisters day that was first observed by Yama Deva when He visited His Sister Yamuna Devi.
That Banks DIH and Polar Beer are sponsoring this event is proof that the National Diwali Committee does not care at all about Sanatana Dharma. The IAC— a cultural organisation does not allow alcoholic beverages at their Melas—how then can any beer be allowed at a programme organised by The National Diwali Committee?

In closing, we would like to draw the attention of the Companies supporting this event—Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Banks DIH, Polar Commodities, King’s Jewellery, Steve’s Jewellery, Gizmos and Gadgets —what you are doing is supporting a programme that desecrates a sacred Hindu occasion.

Yours faithfully,
Nanda Sahadeo
Prettima Sitaram
Hema Budhu
Amrita Singh
Sedhee Ramnath
Seeta Samaroo

Comments

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23 Responses to “Why associate a Sari/Beauty Pageant with the Sacred Festival of Deepavali?”

M. Xiu Quan-Balgobind-Hackett
on October 12th, 2008 6:30 am

Some solutions
- withhold spending money at those companies supporting this
- get the govt to pass laws against this
- protest and block the roads against this

[Reply to this]
Satish
on October 12th, 2008 7:36 am

Nanda Sahadeo, Prettima Sitaram, Hema Budhu, Amrita Singh, Sedhee Ramnath, Seeta Samaroo are washing some ‘dirty laundry’ here in public and perhaps this is not the best way to resolve the matter.
The points raised by the writers are quite relevant for sure, but Stabroek News’ pages are a generalised forum and this matter could better be resolved by going to the highest Hindu authority in Guyana and if that has still not resolved the issue, then I suggest approaching one of Guyana’s greatest spiritual leaders, namely, Dr Satish Prakash, PhD., Vyakaranacharya.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of Maharishi Dayananda Gurukula, NA, Inc and can be reached at:
satishprakash@yahoo.com

Corporate sponsorship for celebrating Deepavali is a superb idea and after the correct guidance is sought for a more generalised, less overtly sexual celebration; then the corporate sponsors should be petitioned with full names and addresses on the petition to bring pressure to bear on those who may knowing/unknowingly bring scandal to what is in fact a quite beautiful occasion for celebration.

I would say GOOD LUCK to the writers in trying to resolve what is in fact a recurring theme of disagreement for very many years.

[Reply to this]
M. Xiu Quan-Balgobind-Hackett
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 3:00 pm:
Use Dr in front or PhD at back. To use both is redundancy. He not MD, so no prablem deh.

[Reply to this]
bbuckman
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 4:10 pm:
dont bad mouth these young people.guide them to be sucessful in their effort.

[Reply to this]
Kowlasar Misir
In reply to the above comment on October 12th, 2008 5:58 pm:
Actually he is correct with his identification of PhD. behnid the name; Dr. was traditionally used in the identification of a medical degree (a medical doctor) and not a research degree, which is a PhD. There is not set unifromity in the process used.
JACKIE
on October 12th, 2008 9:52 am

I was enlightened about the 5 days of observance of diwali. I am against beauty shows of any kind and for any reason. I am not of indian descent or hindu, but I cherish the fact that I was born in multi-cultural, multi-racial Guyana. Maybe this new association can celebrate diwali by enlightening non-hindus about the meaning of this religious event. That can only bring tolerance and understanding among people. I truly cannot imagine what would be the value of having pretty girls judged like pieces of meat.
I hope this pageant gets no support from hindus and non-hindus alike.

[Reply to this]
Subzero
on October 12th, 2008 10:43 am

This is a total disgrace to the entire Hindu society if they continue with the pageant and total disrespect to the sentiments of the Hindu religion. If they want to raise money, another day should be put aside for such…and another tag name should be given. Soon everything will be a pageant…look out for EID and Christmas pageants….if the other religions allow these people to walk all over and disrespect them. All Hindus as well as non-Hindus should go against this hideous act. The Hindu community has allowed these miscreants to get away with so much…whether it’s fear of victimization or whatever the reason being. It is wonderful now that the Hindu women have come to their senses and realized that the Religion and culture is heading no where if such sinful events are carried out by these sinful, deceitful and uncultured people.

[Reply to this]
geeta
In reply to the above comment on October 13th, 2008 10:19 am:
who is the “entire hindu community” and who gives you the right to speak on behalf of us? Read the letters and realise you’re in the minority bro..most of us look forward to the pageant..[as our attendance to the pageant will reveal]

[Reply to this]
critik
In reply to the above comment on October 13th, 2008 12:42 pm:
Geeta;
Why d heck u don’t get it that the whole thing does not contain one bit of connection between Diwali and a Sari pageant.
Don’t try to spin the whole show and accuse peopel of being old fashioned and being against a sari pageant.
We are againts a SARI PAGEANT WITH THE NAME “:DIWALI BEING USED”
IT’S A DISGRACE AND D MOST DEMEANING THING TO HINDUISM.
michael tannassee
on October 12th, 2008 12:18 pm

SN ,, it would appear to me ,, by the “axeing ” of my comments on this distasteful
menu of ,, of what is now the “diwali diatribe”,, that u somehow r in favour of the scarilege perpetuated by this blasphemy by those whose objective is self aggrandisement !……

this disgraceful “pageant” which is the key word in the “con” by those whose imagination that some how beauty in “shimmering saris ” is the climax to a sacred display of worshiping “light ” is that of a very small mind / s

[Reply to this]
Caesar
on October 12th, 2008 12:59 pm

I do not know. Why not ask the pagent sponsors why they are doing it?

[Reply to this]
Forbes Moore
In reply to the above comment on October 13th, 2008 5:33 pm:
Caesar. beef na get bone, daag na bis-nissssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply to this]
SandHurst First
on October 12th, 2008 1:21 pm

the girls gotta model relax yourself…

[Reply to this]
Indifence
on October 12th, 2008 4:37 pm

I would think that the link is obvious - the Sari is regarded as an Indian outfit and the festival originated in that part of the globe. As such, the festival time is opportune for such a pageant (if one is so inclined to have one) as people are in that cultural sphere of influence and are attuned to the occasion.

As I pointed out in a letter in SN that dealt with the very issue, there may be Hindus out there who are supportive of this event. The anti movement may just be a vocal minority….Geeta Singh and Parmanand Sukhu are obviously Hindus. Who makes these self proclaimed individuals of the anti camp the definitive spokespersons of Hindus?

I would just like to reiterate that Guyana has much more pressing issues that need to be dealt with - this puritanical angst can only lead to intolerance.

The festival organisers can be gallant and remove the name Diwali from their pageant but no one should be able to demand that they should not this pageant nor should they be able to coerce companies in no supporting the event. They are entitled to voice their displeasure and that is all…..no demands!

[Reply to this]
quibian
on October 12th, 2008 6:09 pm

since i was a boy i know there was a diwali pageant associated with diwali. where were these women then? how come suddenly it has become a shame on the hindu community? as a hindu i am very concerned about fundamentalists trying to hijack the hindu religion.

[Reply to this]
Dreamer
on October 12th, 2008 11:15 pm

Shame on all women who patrol on a stage to showcase their body, be it for a Dewali or any form of beauty pageant.

[Reply to this]
geeta
on October 13th, 2008 10:15 am

Ms Sahadeo and company…
When did I say that the pageant is about make-up and sari- display…. I was merely responding to Pandit Rajin’s letter..who critisised teh organisers for suggesting that the girls will be learning to wear/display sari and apply make-up…
Read and comprehend Ms Nanda Sahadeo..stop being mischievous!!

[Reply to this]
shellyBelly
on October 13th, 2008 5:07 pm

Being a past contestant/winner, I think, resustating the pagent is a wonderful idea, however, people have to respect that it is a sacred festival. We can very well have a “Sari Pageant” and not a “Diwali Pageant”. Avoid the contraversies! THe pageant does bring Indian women to the forefront. Proving that we are not docile. As many may perceive us to be. The sari is a wonderful, exquiste, masterpeice, it has been with us for many centuries. Whats wrong with showing it off in several ways, Be it a pageant or not. Many of these girls are not from privialiged backgrounds, & therefore the pageant acts as as a stepping stone for them. I went on to pursue a degree programme, & be a role model to many in my society. It has afforeded me many many opportunities, that I am proud of today. I am in a position to give back to society. And I am most honoured to serve. I would like to question why no one makes an issue when the many Bollywood dance shows are held at the National Cultural Centre, when Young women riviate their waist to music, in the most seductive manner. This they pass off as Indian Culture to us, under disguise. Why not make an issue when the motorcades are dotted with young women glamourously attired as Mother Laxhami. Just what is wrong with women clad in a saree & gracefully parading on a stage?

In the past there were bad promoters, & so I hope with the National Diwali Committee, we will have a beautiful pageant. Good Luck, & Guyana looks forward to a wonderful show!

[Reply to this]
Vidyaratha Kissoon
In reply to the above comment on October 14th, 2008 8:20 am:
Aren’t you concerned Shelly Belly, that if you did not win that pageant, that you would never have achieved what you wanted, aren’t you concerned that participating in a beauty pageant seems to be the only way to prove that Indian women are not docile?

Dont you believe that all women regardless of their race, age, physical appearances, ability to wear or walk gracefully in a sari (think disabled women for example) should deserve the opportunities which you received?

[Reply to this]
michael tannassee
on October 13th, 2008 6:32 pm

+geeta ,, ! u need to haul all the trappings of ur blasphemous
” pageant ” to the cow pen an leave it there ,,,,,,

i think it was GB Shaw who said those who can’t ,, teach ,, ! stop trying to teach others to be what u will never be !

[Reply to this]
Caesar
on October 17th, 2008 8:24 pm

Taken with the grain of salt it deserves.Since when does this suddenly becomes sacred. I see the beginings of fanatical of extremism here. A carbon copy of the Moslems who ,anytime a westerner visits Saudi Arabia, describing their visits as “infidels on sacred soil.” Soil of no value before suddenly becomes sacred.

[Reply to this]
Satish
In reply to the above comment on October 19th, 2008 4:50 pm:
As you say caesar… Taken with the grain of salt it deserves

Let me say here that Hinduism and Fundamentalism are mutually exclusive terms.
This statement is difficult to understand for a non-Hindu so I excuse you in advance.

But let me give an example:

When the BJP came to power in India, all the western countries were cautioning that we would have to brace ourselves for the ‘talabanising’ of India under the tricolour. It is now patiently clear that all those fears were wrong.
The BJP did not even build the temple on the Ayodhia site even though this was one of the main mandates.
Furthermore, they went on to embrace capitalism (with a Hindutva floavour) under the ‘India Shining’ badge and consequently were VOTED OUT next time… even though they had successfully uplifted the Indian economy.

Fundamentalism and Hindu spiritualism are uneasy bedfellows.

[Reply to this]
Kathie
on November 7th, 2008 7:40 pm

I would like to praise Pandit Rajin’s very progressive stand on puttting the emphasis of Diwali on the spirituality. We women are taught to emphasize the outer rather than the inner spiritual qualities. I have thought this for decades and I have always spoken against beauty contests because of this reason. I am not a fundamentalist at all. I am a progressive woman who believes in women’s rights. The emphasis should be on Mother Laxmi, the greatest symbol of Diwali.

[Reply to this]