The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, visited several mandirs along the Corentyne on Saturday to extend Navratri greetings on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali. During his visits, Minister Mustapha encouraged devotees to use the sacred period of Navratri as an opportunity to deepen their faith, adopt positive attitudes, and strive to contribute meaningfully to society. He reiterated the importance of uplifting others and helping to improve lives within the community.
The minister visited several mandirs, including the Hampshire, Tain, Whim, and Doctor Bush Mandirs at Albion, where he addressed the devotees on the spiritual significance of the nine-night festival.
He noted that Navratri is a period of reflection, spiritual cleansing, and moral renewal, not just for Hindus but for all humankind. He explained that the festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and serves as a time for individuals to strengthen their character and align their lives with spiritual teachings.
“The lessons of Navratri are not only for this nine-day period. We are fasting, praying, and striving for blessings, but these practices should extend beyond the festival itself,” the minister said. “We must continue to live by the values we learn during this period long after Navratri has ended.”
Minister Mustapha also emphasized that the teachings of Navratri are relevant to Guyana’s broader society, encouraging citizens to embrace unity and harmony across religious lines. He underscored that the government, under the leadership of President Ali, seeks to incorporate the values taught by all religious denominations in its efforts to improve the quality of life for all Guyanese.
“We are not Hindu Guyanese, Muslim Guyanese, or Christian Guyanese; we are simply Guyanese. Festivals like Navratri give us the opportunity to learn from spiritual teachings and apply them in our everyday lives to create stronger communities,” Minister Mustapha remarked.
The minister was accompanied on his visits by Regional Vice Chairman, Zamal Hussain, who also engaged with the devotees in attendance.
Minister Mustapha’s address reinforced the government’s commitment to fostering social cohesion and promoting moral and spiritual growth as the country moves forward together as One Guyana.
