Diwali (Deepavali, Tihar), the Festival of Lights is being celebrated world-wide.

Diwali at White House

Pic-1>President Barack Obama, accompanied by Hindu Priest Sri Narayanachar Digalakote, uses a candle to light an oil lamp in observation of Diwali, or the “Festival of Lights,” a holiday celebrated across faiths in India, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Pic-2>President Barack Obama bows with Hindu Priest Sri Narayanachar Digalakote in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, after lighting an oil lamp in observation of Diwali, or the “Festival of Lights,” a holiday celebrated across faiths in India. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Pic-3>President Barack Obama says goodbye to guests in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, after a ceremony signing an Executive Order restoring the White House Advisory Commission and Interagency Working Group and celebrating Diwali, or the “Festival of Lights,” a holiday celebrated across faiths in India. Behind him is Sri Narayanachar Digalakote, a Hindu Priest. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Canadian Parliament Celebrates Diwali

October 13th, 2009

Source: www.thaindian.com

TORONTO, CANADA, October 10, 2009: The Canadian parliament celebrated Diwali this week with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other top leaders lighting the traditional lamps. They were among the 450 dignitaries to attend the festivities Thursday night.

High commissioner Shashisekar Gavai of India and Hindu envoys from Pakistan and Malaysia were also among those who attended the evening gala.

After lighting the traditional lamp, Prime Minister Harper said the “growing Indo-Canadian community is at the forefront of Canada’s quest to build an even better country for generations to come”.

“Since 1998, Diwali on Parliament Hill (the seat of the House of Commons) has grown in significance and stature, and today can truly be considered as Canada’s National Diwali Festival,” said Deepak Obhrai, who is parliamentary secretary to the foreign minister.

Posted in Hindu Press International

Hindu Festival Celebrates Unity in Diversity

October 13th, 2009

Source: www.dallasnews.com

DALLAS, TEXAS, USA. October 5, 2009: The thousands gathered in a parking lot at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday commemorated Diwali Mela — the Hindu festival of lights — helping celebrate the diversity of North Texas.

This is the fourth year the festival, which is popular not just in India but with Indian immigrants around the world, has been celebrated in North Texas. Last year at Texas Stadium in Irving, it attracted 73,000 people, according to its sponsors, the Dallas Fort Worth Indian Cultural Society.

Though supporters had hoped for 100,000 at the event’s first appearance at the new Cowboys Stadium, rain and unseasonably cool weather may have held down attendance. About 24,000 people were at Sunday’s festival, stadium officials said.

On Sunday, the Texas version was marked with a combination of the old and new. Booths selling foods such as sev puri, kaechi dabeli and chole samosas were interspersed with those offering frappuccinos and strawberry smoothies.

Dandiya rocked  America  in Diwali Celebration this Year.

 Falguni Pathak, often referred as the “Dandiya Queen” for the thrilling Dandiya experiences she provides to her audience, is an MTV award winner and well-known folk singer not just in India, but all over the world.

The event in New Jersey takes place in Edison at the New Jersey Expo Hall October 2nd and 3rd, in Charlotte, October 9th, in Chicago, October 10th and October 11th in Atlanta.

Zee TV’s tie-up with DFWICS and Rajsun Megastar Entertainment are part of the company’s ongoing charitable partnership program, in which Zee strives to make a difference in the lives of U.S. residents of South Asian decent. Zee continually brings the best in South Asian entertainment to homes across America and is striving to connect with their viewers at events such as the Diwali celebrations coming up in major cities in the US.

US Parliament Celebrates Diwali

Resolution on Diwali introduced in US House of Representatives.

Washington , Oct 8 More than half a dozen Congressman have introduced a Diwali resolution in the US House of Representative greeting Hindus and people of Indian origin on the occasion of festival of lights, which will be celebrated on October 17. Source : PTI.

Recognising the historical and religious significance of Diwali, the resolution conveys best wishes to Americans and to people around the world celebrating Diwali.

Diwali in Italy. Shri Mataji Inaugurates Sahaja International School in Cabella Italy.

On the 26th of September, 2009, the Teacher of all teachers inaugurated the new Sahaj International School in Cabella. The Sahaja Yogis and Yoginis performed the Aarti and offered flowers to Shri Mataji NIRMALA DEVI, and thanked Her again and again for having made this school possible.

This Navaratri, 2009, the Goddess won in Cabella another battle for the future of humankind and laid the foundation of an enlightened education which will change the face of Europe. Shri Mataji will observe Diwali in Italy this year.

Watch how a Hindu Family in Italy celebrates their Diwali. 

Diwali celebrated in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne (Australia), Oct.12 (ANI): More than 50,000 people in Melbourne, Australia, gathered at the Federation Square to celebrate Diwali- the Festival of Lights on October 9.

The celebration was also attended by the Premier of Victoria, Mr John Brumby.

Mr Brumby said Diwali was an important occasion for the Indian community and a great example of how Victoria’s multicultural communities come together to share their cultures.

“In Victoria we come from more than 200 countries of origin, speak more than 230 languages and dialects and follow more than 120 faiths – this enhances our reputation as a harmonious, vibrant and cohesive community,” Mr Brumby said.

“Diwali is one of India’s most significant festivals and cuts across all religious, social and economic differences and is celebrated globally by the Indian diaspora.

“It is a festive occasion that offers a wonderful combination of revelry and tradition. And it’s a festival that is enjoyed by people of different faiths and backgrounds across the world.”

The festival featured Bollywood dance and music performances and workshops, Indian fashion and craft displays, food, jewellery, music and movies, clothing and other variety stalls, a magic show for children, traditional henna hand painting and a sunset fireworks display.

“Diwali is a marvellous expression of what we all strive to achieve as a community of varied backgrounds, faiths and interests and it is wonderful to see so many people from different cultures coming together,” Mr Brumby said.

“Victorians are proud of our diverse multicultural heritage and that’s why we are proud to support programs that both promote and strengthen our rich diversity.

“The Diwali festival is a wonderful example of how Victorian communities share traditions, cultures and friendships to make the State a vibrant multicultural society.”

Mr Brumby said his visit to India had helped to reaffirm and build on strong relationships between Victoria and India. “The many students I spoke to in India understood that while there may be isolated incidents, Victoria is a very safe destination,” he said.

“My message to the Indian community, which is well established in Victoria, has been that they are valued members of our community and that we will not tolerate racism of violence in any form against any member of our community.” (ANI)

Extra Deepavali holiday for Malaysian Indian school kids

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 8 (IANS) Malaysian Indian school children will get an extra day off to enjoy the coming Deepavali festival, the government has decided following numerous requests from schools and parents.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced Thursday that the states’ education directors had been told to approve requests from schools for an extra day off Oct 20.

“The decision was made to enable parents to make plans for their families to travel earlier and avoid traffic jams,” The Star Thursday quoted him as saying.

Malaysia’s nearly two million Indians, a bulk of them Hindus who settled here during the British era, will celebrate Deepavali Oct 17.

Diwali charity dinner in UK

LONDON: British Foreign Minister David Miliband has praised India’s work to bring development to embattled Afghanistan.

“We appreciate and support the impressive development work that India is doing in Afghanistan,” Miliband told IANS at a Diwali charity dinner hosted by Indian-born industrialist Raj Loomba on Thursday.

Miliband, who was guest of honour at the dinner held in the 800-year-old Guildhall, said he was able to express his sympathies to External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna in a telephone conversation following a bomb blast outside the Indian embassy in Kabul on Thursday.

Rs 100-cr dragon fire snakes in for Diwali in Nepal

The dragon may be a myth, but the fire it supposedly spits looks real. Come Diwali time, loads of crackers are smuggled from China into India.
The pyrotechnics are worth Rs 100 crore a year, sources say, noting that the illegal business picks up at this time of year with the start of the festival season. And all of them are genuine goods, even as the government is maintaining constant vigil along the country’s ports to curb illegal entry of cheap and substandard commodity.
Sources say more than 20 containers (each carrying Rs 7 crore worth of Chinese firecrackers) make into the local markets of different states from the eastern ports of Kolkata and Haldia ahead of Diwali. Wholesalers note that the market rate of these total to around Rs 600 crore.
An enquiry with the exim circle reveals importers based in Nepal leg­ally import such firecrackers from China via Kolkata and Haldia, both designated ports for entry and exit of Nepalese transit cargo.
The firecrackers then move to Nepal in containers by road from Kol­kata, but in most occasions only 10-20 per cent of the actual cargo crosses into Nepalese territory. The remaining is “distributed” in between to “gullible on-road buyers”. The goods then reach the rest of the country.

Diwali In India

Diwali is a five-day extravaganza in India. Diwali celebrations in India is marked by multi-colored display of Rangoli designs at the entranceway of residents, special pooja ceremonies, lines of colorful and sparkling lights and earthen lamps (diyas), exchange of sweets and gifts, fireworks and lots of shopping. Every home in the country shines with the glow of the dazzling lights and candles that are lit to welcome Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali.

Diwali In UK

In Britain, people indulge themselves in spring-cleaning their home. They wear new clothes and decorate their homes with fancy lights. The British city of Leicester is notable for the Diwali extravaganza. The official switch-on ceremony is the highlight of Diwali celebrations in Leicester. Thousands of people witness the ceremony.

Diwali In USA

Diwali celebrations in USA are akin to that witnessed in India. In USA, houses are decorated with earthen lamps. Spectacular display of sparkling electronic lights is the highlight of the celebrations. Colorful rangoli are also displayed. People in USA gather in the evenings, at a community hall nearby, where cultural events are organized. Fire crackers are burst and Diwali sweets and snacks are distributed among the family and friends.

Diwali In Australia

Diwali in Australia is marked by magnificent display of fireworks. The population of Australia, with Indian origin, celebrates the festival with much pomp and gaiety. Indians living in Australia use the opportunity to showcase their unity in diversity and the rich cultural heritage of India. They illuminate their homes with colorful lights and diyas.In

Nepal

Diwali is known as ‘Tihar’ in Nepal. Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped here. On the 1st day, the cows are revered as Goddess Lakshmi and are fed with cooked rice. On the 2nd day, dogs are revered as the carrier of Bhairava and are fed with delicious food, especially prepared for them. On the 3rd day, houses are illuminated and decorated with lights and lamps and delicacies are prepared and fireworks and crackers are the favorites of the day. On the 4th day, prayers and offerings are made to Yama, the Hindu God of Death, to please him and be blessed by him with long life. On the 5th and the last day, Bhaiya Dooj is celebrated in which sisters pray for long life and prosperity of their brothers.

In Malaysia

Malaysia has about 8% Hindu population who celebrate Hari Diwali that symbolizes triumph of good over evil. This festival is celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu solar calendar. Malaysian people start off with the traditional oil bath of South India and then visit the temples and pray. Small earthen lamps with coconut oil are lit to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king Ravana. Diwali is celebrated in most parts of Malaysia except in the regions of Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan.

Diwali celebrations in Mauritius

Mauritius accounts a 63% of Indian majority of which 80% follow Hinduism. In Mauritius, Diwali celebration is an age-old tradition. It holds special significance for the natives, who believe that Diwali has been celebrated even long before the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile and his coronation as the king. The festival is marked by lightening of earthen lamps in rows making images out of the rows. Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth and crackers are burnt to scare away evil spirits.

 

Diwali celebrations in Guyana

The Co-operative Republic of Guyana in Southern America celebrates Diwali according to the Hindu Solar calendar. The day of the festival is declared as a national holiday in the official calendar of Guyana. Sweets such as peras, barfi, and kheer are distributed. The tradition of wearing new cloth for the people of Guyana is significant especially in this festival. They believe that wearing new cloth is the symbol of healthy souls in healthy bodies. Cleaning of their homes and keeping them well illuminated in and outside is a practice meant to illuminate the road for Goddess Lakshmi so that while goddess Lakshmi visits their home she faces no problem of light as the diwali night is regarded as the darkest night of the year.

Diwali In Indonesia

Although majority of the Indonesian population follows Islam – Hindus constitute only 2% of the population – Diwali is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. The island of Bali is famous for Diwali celebrations, as majority of the Indians are concentrated there. They celebrate the festival by following rituals that are native to India. The celebrations in the country are similar to that of India.

 

Diwali In Trinidad

Diwali celebrations in Trinidad are marked by the colorful display of fireworks. Since 1966, the festival is celebrated for nine days and culminated with a national holiday. Indian classical music performances, Hindu devotional song renditions, dance shows are organized during the festival. People clad themselves in ethnic Indian attire, to take part in the merrymaking.

 

Diwali In Singapore

Serangoon Road in Singapore is famous for Diwali celebrations. This is the place where maximum people of Indian origin reside. During Diwali, the streets in Singapore are filled with families, who are busy shopping for the festival. The archways are decorated with flowers and garlands. Diyas are also lit. People visit Hindu temples in Singapore to offer prayers.

 

Diwali In Fiji

The people belonging to the Indo Fijian community decorate their homes with flashing lights. Apart from Hindus in the island nation, non-Hindus also take part in the festivities. Crackers are burst by children, who take part in various extracurricular activities held in their schools. Exchange of sweets and fireworks are part of the merrymaking. The diyas, candles and electric lights are lit in the evening. The celebrations are culminated by feasting.

Deepavali ( Diwali in Bangladesh)

 In Begali Tradition Diwali is celebrated as Deepavali and it is treated as the ending of the Saradotsav sarted with the Durgotsav. Highly  connected  with the Shakti Puja Cult ( Worship of Power) the Hindus of Bangladesh worship Goddess Kali in this occasion with the Laxshmi  Puja. The home made  earthen lamps are lightened in the evening with the candle-lights. The houses and Puja pandals are decorated with lightings. Crackers and the other fireworks are generally overwhelm the nights. Hindus exchange their good wishes of enlightment with everybody.

Diwali In Pakistan

Lahore & Karachi : Hindu community living across the country celebrate Diwali festival with great enthusiasm.

The preparations to mark the most vibrant festival started from the beginning of the month have reached its climax. All young and children are planning different activities to celebrate the event in befitting manner.

On the day, people will perform their religious rituals in Mandir decorated with lovely traditional motifs to welcome Lakshami, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

The celebrations continues for five days and each day of Diwali celebrations is associated with different myths, legends and beliefs.

We Convey Our Happy Diwali to every Hindus celebrating this Festival of Lights in India and Abroad ! Our Happy wishes to all friends and foes in this great event !!  Tamoso Ma Joyirgamayo !!! Lift Us in the Light of Knowledge  from Darkness of Ignorance !!!!     

Hindu Existence