Indian Community of Bruce County Celebrates Deepawali Festival of Lights

Chandra Shekhar Tripathi
On Saturday, November 1st, the Tiverton Community centre was filled with smiles, laughter of children, the sound of music, dances, spiritual discussions and the aromas of Indian food. Over 125 people attended "Deepawali" - festival of lights celebration, which is the biggest Hindu festival.　

According to moon calendar, it falls on the last day of dark half of Kartic month (October - November). This year the festival was observed during October 26-30. Everyone was happy seeing that kids, youths and teens outnumbered adults by their fabulous performances.

Numbers of people and kids from other faiths were also participated as a part of transcending multicultural boundaries within the Canadian mosaic. The importance and benefits of this event as promoting understanding, sharing positive values of love, exploring inclusiveness and acceptance was mentioned by community leaders, and members of other faith.

The evening was opened with a snack (samosa and laddoo) and the program started with a message to reinforce the value of love (giving and forgiving), spreading peace and sacrifice and building a character of sharing, caring and giving. Similarities of values in various faiths were also discussed.

Hindu festivals have deep spiritual import, which have spiritual, environmental and social elements in them. Sharing spirituality and various ways to carry forward our traditions and developing a true understanding about richness of culture (with a belief of "vashudhaiv kutumbkam" - whole world is one family) were key components of this festivity which we would like to continue as a community was mentioned during opening remarks.

 The program consisted with opening remark, community prayer for peace and prosperity, cultural programs, and vegetarian food. Program was closed with encouraging remark of continuing to live with spirit of volunteerism and loving everyone around us.

Last Tuesday, the festivity and food of Deepawali was also shared by community members with kids and teachers in Elgin Market Public School, Huron Height Public School and KDSS. Tripathi family also invited some culturally keen kids to share the festivity in their home to strengthen the value base character, inclusiveness and to develop understanding about various traditions and cultures.

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13/01/2009 04:24 PM

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According to organizer, the meaning of Deepawali is even more poignant than usual in these times of conflict.

 According to the Vedic culture, the message of "tamso ma jyotir gamaya" (from darkness unto light) is given through this festival.

Deepawali is to kindle the extinguished lights of our neighbours. A little charity can bring joy to countless others. Feeding empty stomachs, lighting blow out dias and providing cheer and joy amongst the downtrodden is to enter the true spirit of Deepawali. The key significance of this festival is to enlighten hearts with goodwill for peaceful co-existence with fellow human beings.