Sri Vijaya Puram, November 9: The tradition of collective Dweep Pujan in the Nicobar Islands began in 2022 during the visit of Mr. Avinash Gaur, Sangathan Mantri, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Andaman & Nicobar Prant, to Campbell Bay. Under his guidance and the chairmanship of the then Campbell Bay Prakhand Mantri, Mr. Rajan Singh, the first-ever collective Dweep Pujan programme in the Nicobar Islands was organised at Campbell Bay. This historic initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of local residents, devotees, followers of Sanatan Dharma and members of various social organisations. Since then, the tradition has continued to grow, with an increase in both the number of lamps and public participation every year.
Carrying forward this glorious tradition, grand Dweep Pujan programmes were organised in 2026 across three major islands of Nicobar District—Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar and Kamorta in the Nancowry group of islands. These celebrations conveyed a beautiful message of Sanatan culture, social harmony and cultural unity across the Nicobar Islands.
Campbell Bay: A tradition continuing for four consecutive years. This year’s programme at Campbell Bay was organised under the leadership of Vishva Hindu Parishad and the guidance of Nicobar Zila Samiti Adhyaksh, Mr. Rajan Singh. The responsibility of organising the event was shouldered by Mr. Mohan, Nicobar Zila Sanyojak, Bajrang Dal, whose dedicated efforts ensured the successful completion of the programme. Mr. Venkat, Pradhan of Govind Nagar Panchayat, along with office-bearers and members of the local Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, participated enthusiastically. The active participation of local residents and devotees further added to the grandeur of the celebration.
Car Nicobar: Kuchat Park Headquarters illuminated with 501 diyas. For the first time, a grand Dweep Pujan programme was organised at Car Nicobar, the headquarters of Nicobar District. In the presence of Nicobar Zila Samiti Mantri, Mr. Sunil Gupta, the programme was conducted under the leadership of Zila Sah-Mantri, Mr. Anvesh, with the active support and participation of the local Sanatani community and residents. A total of 501 diyas were illuminated at Kuchat Park Headquarters. The first diya was lit by Mrs. Hemawati, Station House Officer of Car Nicobar Police Station, as a mark of respect for Matrushakti and as a symbol of women’s empowerment. Matrushakti and the sisters of Durga Vahini participated with great enthusiasm, discipline and dedication.
Local residents, followers of Sanatan Dharma and government employees participated wholeheartedly. The valuable contributions of Mr. Shankar, Mr. Subramaniam and several other local supporters were particularly noteworthy. The diyas were arranged and illuminated in the shape of a Trishul. When all the electric lights were switched off and the Trishul-shaped arrangement began to glow with hundreds of diyas, the entire Kuchat Park transformed into a magnificent and captivating sight. It was a unique and memorable experience for the local people of Car Nicobar.
Kamorta: First-ever collective lighting of 101 diyas at Radha Krishna Temple. For the first time, a collective Dweep Pujan programme was also organised at Radha Krishna Temple on Kamorta Island in the Nancowry group of islands. The programme was organised under the leadership of Campbell Bay Prakhand Mantri, Mr. Govinda. Members of the local fishing community, led by Mr. Chandrashekhar and Mr. Pandi Rajan, participated enthusiastically in the celebration. With the support of local devotees and followers of Sanatan Dharma, 101 diyas were illuminated within the premises of Radha Krishna Temple. Organised on the eve of Diwali, the programme conveyed a beautiful message of faith, devotion and unity in Sanatan culture among the local community. This event marked a new and historic beginning towards establishing the tradition of collective Dweep Pujan on Kamorta Island.
Message from the organisation’s office-bearers: On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Mr. Avinash Gaur, Prant Sangathan Mantri, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Andaman & Nicobar Prant, extended his heartfelt greetings to all devotees celebrating the festival of lights. He emphasised that along with Mata Lakshmi, devotees should also worship Mata Saraswati and Bhagwan Ganesh on Diwali. He explained that the blessings of Mata Lakshmi, representing prosperity, can be truly meaningful and utilised wisely only when accompanied by the knowledge of Mata Saraswati and the obstacle-removing grace of Bhagwan Ganesh. He appealed to everyone to celebrate Diwali in accordance with Indian culture and traditions.
Mr. Rajan Singh, Nicobar Zila Samiti Adhyaksh, in his message, said that every individual should light at least one diya not only for the happiness and prosperity of their own family but also for the well-being of the nation. Diwali is not merely a festival of illuminating one’s own home; it is also an occasion to pray for the bright future of the nation, social unity and collective prosperity.
Acknowledgement to the administration and supporting organisations: The successful organisation of these programmes across all three islands of Nicobar District was made possible with the valuable cooperation of the local administration, Police Department and Fire Services. The guidance and assistance extended by the concerned officers and personnel ensured that all the programmes were conducted in an orderly and successful manner.
Vishva Hindu Parishad, Nicobar Zila Samiti, expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all local Panchayat representatives, office-bearers of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Matrushakti, Durga Vahini, Bajrang Dal, local communities, government employees, devotees and everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the successful organisation of these programmes.
What began as a small initiative at Campbell Bay in 2022 has now reached various islands of Nicobar. This is not merely a programme of lighting diyas; it is becoming an inspiring example of the preservation of Sanatan culture, social unity, revival of traditions and active participation of local communities in these remote islands.
Vishva Hindu Parishad, Nicobar Zila Samiti, extends its heartfelt Diwali greetings and best wishes to all residents of Nicobar and everyone celebrating the festival of lights. Jai Shri Ram! Vande Mataram!
