FREMONT: Diwali (Deepavali) is the Hindu Festival of Lights. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Being the most important festival of the year, Diwali signifies the beginning of a new year – according to the Hindu calendar. It was on Diwali that Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, came back home after a fourteen-year exile after killing evil-king Ravana. It is said that to celebrate the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, illuminated their homes with oil lamps (diyas) and burst firecrackers in the streets.
Similar to that first celebration, every year Hindus across the world celebrate the festival of Diwali. On November 5, the Fremont Hindu Temple celebrated Diwali with an all day festival. This was Fremont Hindu Temple’s second Diwali Mela. Thousands turned up to celebrate the festival in all its glory.
The day started with kids programs which included a public speaking contest, a quiz-contest, and a fancy dress competition organized by Mrs. Madhu Shahani, Chair Youth Committee .This was followed by cultural dances performed by kids of all ages organized by Mrs Vijaya Aasuri, Chair Cultural Committee. The evening program was filled with music concert by Alka Bhatnagar and her students.
Decorated with colorful lights and filled with celebrating families, the temple resounded with the music and celebration of the festival. Outside the temple, in the parking lot, were approximately 28 booths offering Indian foods and sweets of all kinds, colorful clothes and jewelry, as well as financial, educational services catering especially to the Indian community. As the day continued, dancing and singing groups were especially invited to capture the evening.
The Temple was also visited by dignitaries including Patricia Danielson Board of Director of Washington Hospital and various Fremont city dignitaries including council member Anu Natrajan, Robert (Bob) Wieckowski Vice Mayor, Robin Torello County Chair for Alameda County Democratic Party, Trisha Tahmasbi from Ohlone Area United Democratic Campaign HQ, Yogi Chugh Chair of Tri-Cities Democratic Forum, Dr Raj Salwan Chairperson of the Human Relations Commission of the City of Fremont. All these dignitaries were welcomed by Temple Chairperson Dr. Romesh Japra and Rajesh Verma, Co Chair, along with other chairpersons of Fremont Temple.
The festival came to a beautiful end with special prayers and chants from devotees of all ages.
Deepak Chhabra
India Post News Service
Deepak Chhabra is Chair, Events & Diwali Mela, Fremont Hindu Temple
