USA: Hindu 'festival of lights' unites many faiths

Hindu 'festival of lights' unites many faiths

Ashwin Verghese • Staff writer • October 27, 2008


Growing up in the Indian state of Kerala, Mary Cheeran of Pittsford was able to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali every year, even though she was a Christian.

Cheeran, now an anesthesiologist at Strong Memorial Hospital, would visit the homes of her Hindu friends and neighbors throughout the five-day festival, and those friends would in turn visit her during the Christmas season.

"You learn a lot of things from each other," Cheeran said. "We all worship God. You get to see how each group worships."

Diwali, also known as the "festival of lights," began Sunday for some worshippers.

The holiday, which holds various meanings, is celebrated differently and at different times by the numerous communities and subgroups of India.

But, in a country with many ethnic and religious groups, Diwali sees adherents of India's many different faiths greet one another in the street with a respectful Namaste.

Even though the holiday is principally celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, "We do get calls from some Muslim friends," said Bharat Gupta, 53, of Webster.

On Sunday, Gupta and his wife were one of several families — both Hindu and Christian — to visit the Pittsford home of Parul and Thejan Patel, natives of Gujarat, to celebrate Dhan Theras, the first day of Diwali.

The families sang Hindi songs and performed a Puja, a ritual of prayers and invocations done in reverence to the gods.

The front of the house was decorated with a colorful rangoli, a sand painting that was done by the Patel's 12-year-old daughter, Sejal.

Parul Patel said that despite the various meanings of Diwali, most Indians recognize the holiday as a triumph of good over evil.

Patel said in many areas, the holiday marks the return of Rama to the kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

In other areas, Diwali honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi, which some Hindus celebrate as the day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasur and rid the world of fear.

The third day is called Main Diwali and is devoted to the worship of Lakshmi.

The fourth day marks the Hindu New Year, while the fifth is celebrated by gifts and prayers between brothers and sisters.

During the entire holiday, worshippers pray for wealth and happiness.

The Patel's son, Kunal, 14, a freshman at Pittsford Sutherland High School, said Diwali is very similar to Christian religious traditions.

"It's something like Christians going to church," he said. "It's how they're getting in touch with God, and this is how we're getting in touch with God."

Kunal said the best part of the holiday for him is coming together with his friends and family.

"It's just fun," he said.

AVERGHESE@DemocratandChronicle.com

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20081027/NEWS01/810270320/1002/NEWS