HPI
GUADELOUPE, FRANCE, November 20, 2004: Reunion Island is an overseas “department” of France. Its 745,000 residents are full citizens of France, and a significant number of them are of Hindu origin. Following their migration to Reunion in the 19th century, most, under strong pressure, became Roman Catholics. They have in recent decades been inspired toward a return to their Hindus roots by the example of their Hindu brethren in nearby Mauritius, The Indian migrants to Mauritius arrived also in the 19th century and have remained staunch Hindus all along. As a result of this influence, Hindu festivals are starting to be celebrated in Reunion, case in point, Deepavali. And, in a remarkable example of the global revival of Hinduism, the residents of Guadeloupe in the Carribbean — also a department of France, population 444,000, with a significant number of people of Indian origin — are becoming inspired to start Deepavali also.
The French Broadcasting system today rebroadcast a two-hour program in Guadeloupe about the events in Reunion. Their announcement reads, “This year again, French/Guadeloupe television goes to the town of Saint-Andre [in Reunion] to capture this major event for the island’s [Reunion] Tamil community: Deepavali. Reunion TV will vibrate to the rhythms of this Festival of Lights to honor all Reunionites of Indian origin. The program this evening will consist of bringing you the spirit of the final grand celebration, happening at the Sarda Garriga Stadium in Saint-Andre, Saturday, November 13. A bright, musical two hours punctuated with traditional Indian dance performed by troupes from Reunion and India, by parades of flower floats, and especially a spectacular fireworks display representing Sri Lakshmi, Goddess of Light.”
One of our contacts in Guadeloupe writes Hinduism Today, “This is great because it will show us here in Guadeloupe what can be done. We don’t have such a big Deepavali over here. It is fortunate that we share the same France-Overseas network which gives us the opportunity to share in Reunion’s culture. This kind of event is a great fulfillment for Guadeloupians who are Indian in body and heart and who have been praying ever so long that Indian culture would one day emerge out of the shadows, here, and start to evolve.”