Hindu community celebrates festival of light

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 Vishwa (L), 10, Payal and Khushi Shah, 6, of Port Elgin gather for Diwali in Tiverton
 

Chandra Tripathi (L) opens the celebration with a prayer of peace and love

The Whitney Crawford Community Centre in Tiverton was filled with lights and fun and laughter as the Hindu community celebrated the festival of light Saturday afternoon. This celebration is called Diwali in Hindi and Deepawali in Sanscript.

Chandra Tripathi welcomed the crowd to a time of food, fellowship, festival, family and fun. The event began with a prayer of peace and love. The clay lights are called "deepa", while the row of them is termed "wali" - hence, "Deepawali."

Through his talk, Tripathi urged people to bridge their cultural differences and learn to get along with their neighbours. One of the ABC's of life, he said, is "Avoid Bad Company."

The celebration included performances of dance and song, followed by the Indian National Anthem, the Canadian National Anthem, and some games for the children. The event concluded with dancing and a traditional Indian meal.

Rachit Sood (L) and Dhvanil Joshi perform a dance sequence (photos by Ajay Sood)
 

 Sandeep (L) and Mukta Sharma of Brampton join Arun Bala Sarin at the Celebration of Light. Bala Sarin is visiting Kincardine from Amritsar, India.
 

 The lights represent Lord Ganesha and the footprints represent that the Laxmi (goddess of wealth) is entering the house

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009