On Saturday evening nearly 200 people poured into the top floor of the downtown Comfort Inn to celebrate Diwali, one of the most popular Hindu festivals.
Diwali, which means “rows of lighted lamps,” is a time to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the conquest of demon king Narakaasura (Naraka), explained Rahul Sharma, lead event organizer. Naraka couldn’t be “killed by the hands of man” so Lord Krishna’s wife, Satyabhama, is credited with slaying him.
In India, houses, shops and public places are decorated with oil lamps, or diyas, during Diwali.
Sujani Malireddi , who emceed the event, said light also symbolizes, “knowledge, enlightenment and relief of sorrows.”
“It’s a time for all of us to celebrate,” she said.
Students from Aaja Nachle, a group designed to teach youth about Indian culture, performed a play about the conquest of Naraka and also danced and sang at the festival.
Sharma said the local Hindu community, called the India Desi Community, celebrate Diwali annually at the Comfort Inn with singing, dancing and traditional Indian food.
View more photos of this event on our Facebook page.
