ST LOUIS: Bal Vihar of St. Louis with a tradition of 22 years celebrated the Festival of Light – Diwali – with lot of enthusiasm and pomp last month. If there is one event that the students and parents always look forward to, it is Diwali.
This year Bal Vihar has grown in strength and with 750 expected attendees, it was no small feat to organize the event. Like previous years, Bal Vihar students did a Diya project ahead of Diwali that raised funds for charitable institutes in US and India. Students prepared clay Diyas (lamp holders) during this project.
The culmination was the grand celebration at Mahatma Gandhi Center (MGC) with record 700 attendees. After capturing the moment and spirit of the students and staff alike in pictures, the day began with the students and teachers heading to The Hindu Temple of St. Louis. The priests led the prayers and students participated with great devotion.
While the prayers were in full swing, a group of about 50 volunteers were busy packing boxed dinner for all present. Another group of volunteers were preparing for the firecrackers distribution.
After the pooja, students came back for dinner. Then followed the most exciting part of the evening – the fireworks.
Soon, the place was lit with sparkles and joy was in the air. The volunteer team did a phenomenal job of making sure safety was the first priority.
Center for Indian Cultural Education – Bal Vihar of St. Louis is a non-profit organization. Since its inception in 1992 it has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community. Over last 20+ years Bal Vihar has helped groom a breed of multi-cultural global leaders of next generation that have been shaped by the best of the cultures from east and west.
Raj Iyer
