By Acharya S.P. Dwivedi
Diwali is a major festival of lights in India which can be traced back to ancient times. It is one of the major festivals celebrated by more than one billion Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world. There are several myths and stories related to it.
The festival is widely associated with Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity and Rama’s victory over evil, knowledge over ignorance and justice over injustice. It is a five -day celebration that covers prayer, rituals, good food and exchange of gifts. The homes are lit up and fireworks has been added now to this festival.
The glow of earthen diyas spreads the light of harmony, love, universal- brotherhood and festivity. Diwali is a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year.
Hindi Literary Society, Global Hindu Foundation and V4U organizations jointly organized the Diwali celebration on 8th November virtually. Harish Masand, president of HLC welcomed the guests. Acharya Dwivedi spoke on the spiritual and religious importance of Diwali and it was followed by Aarti by Jyotika Jasuja and Neeti Sidhu.
An attractive song-dance item was presented by children which was guided by Sarika Sharma. Awesome Diwali songs were recited by Kanti Dwivedi, Madhu Varshney, Acharya, Dipika Satoshkar Rupinder Khaira, Rubi Manral and Subha Krishnan (Toronto). Harish and Deepa Sharma prepared the quiz on Tulsidas’s Ramayna that was enjoyed by all.
The most imposing, colorful and captivating program was the glimpses of Ramayna, Laxman Rekha by Angel and Rigved , Ashok Vaatika by Pooja Mishra and Gita Mishra and Ram Sita Darshan by Deepa Sharma, Sheetal Gautam, Poonam Kamat , Angel and Rigved. Neema Manral VP of HLS recited two couplets and thanked the participants and guests.
