A Festival of Lights: Diwali in California

*Diwali is without doubt one of the main Asian Indian non secular festivals noticed in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It celebrates the victory of sunshine over darkness, good over evil, and data over ignorance.

Often known as “The Pageant of Lights’ it’s celebrated globally throughout numerous religions and cultures. This yr, Diwali will fall on Nov. 12, and for many who observe it, celebrations will final 5 days. The date of the celebration modifications yearly as a result of it’s based mostly on the Hindu lunar calendar.

The celebration of the vacation varies relying on regional customs and traditions. Amongst Hindus, probably the most widespread customized is the lighting of ‘diyas’, small lamps crammed with oil, on the night time of the brand new moon to ask the presence of Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth. In Northern India, the pageant additionally celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama to town of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons.

California native Glad Uppal spoke with California Black Media (CBM) and shared how her household celebrated Diwali after they lived in India and the way it has modified for them since coming to the US.

“Chatting with my household in regards to the vacation, Diwali meant we have been going to have numerous meals, go to pageant exhibits, and do fireworks. We used to gentle candles round our whole home. It was one thing my household regarded ahead to yearly in India as a result of they celebrated rather a lot. The vacation meant that they bought to be with household and have fun our tradition on the similar time. It was a time of latest beginnings and cleaning of the previous,” stated Uppal.

With round 902,621 individuals who determine as Asian Indian, California has the biggest inhabitants of Sikhs, Hindus and Jains in america.

Historically, the primary day of Diwali, often called Dhanteras, is devoted to cleansing houses and buying small gadgets of gold. Lakshimi is the main target of worship on today. The second day, known as Naraka Chatrudashi or Choti Diwali, prayers are provided for the souls of ancestors. On the third day, Lakshimi Puja, households search blessings from Lakshimi to make sure their prosperity, gentle candles, fireworks, and go to temples.

On the fourth day, often called Goverdhan Puja, retailers carry out non secular ceremonies and open new account books. The ultimate day known as Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

To the Jains, the vacation has a unique which means. For them, Diwali is the day when the final of the Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Mahavira, attained nirvana, a non secular state characterised by the transcendence of mortal limitations and obstacles, and the attainment of infinite data and enlightenment. Lord Mahavira established the dharma adopted by the Jains worldwide.

For the Sikhs, Diwali is a narrative of the wrestle for freedom. It celebrates the victory of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, from the designs of Emperor Jahangir, who had imprisoned him and 52 different princes with him, in 1619. Guru Hargobind refused to go away the jail for freedom till he was capable of carry the entire princes with him.

“The celebration is minimal in america until you go to a temple,” stated Uppal. “Not as many households have fun as a lot as houses in India. Celebrations often nonetheless embrace some type of particular candy dish and lighting of some candles.”

Together with the sweets, Samosas are highly regarded dishes to take pleasure in throughout Diwali celebrations. Aloo Bonda, a potato stuffing within a crispy coating of gram flour is one other favourite amongst observers.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in Southern California hosts one of the crucial elaborate Diwali celebrations. This non secular, volunteer-driven group is devoted to enhancing society via particular person progress by selling Hindu values of religion, unity, and selfless service.

The middle sits on 20 acres and contains 164,000 sq. toes of constructing area. On Diwali, the constructing is illuminated with multi-colored gentle exhibits, fireworks, lamps music, and festive vitality. Their Diwali celebration will happen on Nov. 10-13. The “Diwali Gentle and Sound Spectacular” takes place on Nov. 11, 12, and 13, from 6-8 p.m. — with exhibits each thirty minutes.

Throughout a time on this planet the place the darkness appears to be extra prevalent each day, taking the time to acknowledge the wonder and hope gentle brings is what Diwali is all about,” Uppal stated.

Listed here are extra Diwali celebrations to look out for in case you are occupied with experiencing the pageant of renewal and lightweight.

Diwali on the Pomeroy CenterSaturday, Nov. 18 from 3-7pm207 Skyline Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94132The occasion contains arts and crafts for youngsters below 12, skilled Indian Dance Performances and a buffet dinner with ticket buy.

Diwali Fest 2023 – Pageant of LightsSunday, Nov. 12, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.Artwork of Dwelling Dome948 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, United StatesThis occasion could have all of the elements of the celebration which embrace lighting Lamps (diyas/tealight candles offered), a possibility to make a private Sankalpa (deep want) and providing. Lighting lamps and Dance performances, meditation, and Indian delicacies.

All are welcome and anybody who comes for the occasion can witness a standard Hindu ritual known as the puja.

This California Black Media report was supported in complete or partly by funding offered by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.supply: Edward Henderson | California Black Media

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