Event - Hindu Celebration of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights”
Hindu Celebration of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights”
10.18.14, 2:00 pm
Diwali is called the Festival of Lights sine many lamps, fireworks and bonfires illuminate this holiday; the word “Deepawali” means “a row or cluster of lights” or “rows of diyas (clay lamps)”. The festival symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness and is celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana. People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil (light over darkness). The goddess of happiness and good fortune, Lakshmi, also figures into the celebration. It is believed that she roams the earth on this day and enters the house that is pure, clean, and bright. Diwali celebrations may vary in different communities but its significance and spiritual meaning is generally “the awareness of the inner light”.
This celebration is free and open to people of all faiths and traditions.
Program Includes:
Art Exhibition, Mehndi, Diya (lamps) Painting & Cultural Entertainment Program
– followed by –
Candle Lighting Ceremony (by lighting 3000 Candles)
For Further Information Please Contact The Temple At (718) 460-8484 ext 112
Mala Balakumar: (516) 658-4724 “¢ Mrs. Indira Narasimharajan (718) 631-0725
Radhika Mohan (646) 420-6216 or email: hts@nyganeshtemple.org
THE HINDU TEMPLE SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA
Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam
45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355|Tel: 718-460-8484 ext.112 | email: hts@nyganeshtemple.org
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This event is part of the Queens Museum’s Inaugural Cultural Festival, a year-long series of events that celebrate the rich and varied cultures found in Queens, the most diverse county in the nation. Building upon the spirit of our opening celebrations for our new building, we celebrate the communities in the Museum’s surrounding neighborhoods with a focus on dance, music, food, crafts, storytelling, and rituals.
Sponsored by Delta Air Lines.
