22-Year-Old Shazara Ramnarine Launches Water-Activated LED Deyas — In Time For Divali 2025

Shazara Ramnarine, a 22-year-old past student of Trillium International School, has launched water-activated LED deyas — a modern and safe alternative to traditional deyas — just in time for this year’s Divali celebrations.

Ramnarine, a practicing Hindu, who is currently in her final year of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom, said she has been trying to find a quality local alternative to traditional deyas ever since her grandparents brought a similar sample LED product from India, two (2) years ago.

Ramnarine explored several ideas for alternative deyas during her market research, including deyas powered by solar energy and electricity, before deciding on the water-activated LED version. She believes the water-activated LED deyas, which require no wick, oil, electricity, or flame, offer unmatched convenience, flexibility, and safety.

In an interview with Guardian Media, Ramnarine said, “My family and I celebrate Divali every year, and an important part of those celebrations is the lighting of deyas — which represent the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. These are important aspirations in troubling and difficult times in our country.” She added, “I wanted to keep that spirit alive but make the festival safer and more convenient for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re 2 or 92, you can safely and easily light these deyas. There are no fire hazards when they are used around your home.”

Explaining how the product works, Ramnarine said, “Simply add water to activate the light, and the deya flickers with a realistic glow for 5 to 7 days. After that period, the batteries can be replaced to prolong their lifespan. These deyas are wind- and rain-resistant and crafted from eco-friendly materials.”

According to Ramnarine, the product is intended for decorative purposes only, and not for performing religious pujas, which traditionally use clay deyas with oil and cotton wicks.

Ramnarine partnered with her mother, who is a prominent signage and advertising entrepreneur in Central Trinidad, for the product’s unique packaging and branding. “From the outset, I saw an opportunity to align branding with the product by partnering with my mom’s company to design branded shelves, print ads, banners, and billboards as part of the marketing strategy,” Ramnarine said. “The result is professional packaging for a high-quality product that stands out on shelves nationwide, blending cultural resonance with contemporary aesthetics,” she added.

Speaking on the challenges she faced in her journey from idea to market, Ramnarine said, “I had to navigate practical hurdles such as securing foreign exchange, ensuring quality control with suppliers, and balancing school and multiple projects. It wasn’t easy, but my determination to turn a bright idea into a commercial reality kept me going.”

Ramnarine has also partnered with a company in Guyana to distribute the product this year, with plans to broaden distribution next year. “The early response from other Caribbean countries has been encouraging,” she said. “Interest has come from both Hindus and non-Hindus who appreciate a safe, decorative option for Divali and other occasions.”

Ramnarine plans to market the water-activated LED deyas as a year-round decorative item, not only for Divali celebrations. “They offer a way to bring warmth and light to homes, festive events, and offices without the smoke, heat, or fire hazards associated with traditional deyas,” she added.

Ramnarine concluded by saying, “What I hope readers take away is that heritage and modern ideas can go hand in hand. We’re not just selling a product, we’re promoting a sustainable, modern approach to festive décor that can be enjoyed in homes, events, and offices across the region all year round.”

For more information on this product, contact (868) 684-DIYA (684-3492).

[Source: T&T Guardian]