Governor keeps lights on for annual Diwali celebration
About 125 people gather in the Mansion's ballroom for the event
By Sheena McFarland
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Launched: 11/08/2008 01:41:00 AM MST
Click photo to enlarge
DIWALI Mary Kay Huntsman holds young Asha Huntsman as... (Scott Sommerdorf / The Salt Lake Tribune)
The smells of paneer pakora and stuffed okra filled the Governor's Mansion on Friday night as Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. invited many from Utah's Indian community to celebrate Diwali with him and his family.
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of good over evil in people, and is recognized by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists worldwide.
"In Hinduism, there is something beyond the physical body," Huntsman told the crowd of about 125 seated around tables in the mansion's ballroom. "Just as we celebrate the birth of the body, tonight, we celebrate the inner goodness of humanity."
This is the fourth year Huntsman has held a Diwali celebration in the mansion. Two years ago, the Huntsmans adopted a daughter, Asha, from India. He told the crowd gathered that he was proud to welcome the Indian community into the "house of the people."
"It's our diversity, which is increasingly being recognized by the rest of the world, here in Utah that adds to our state's strength," he said.
For Anima Varma, who lives in Ogden, the event was recognition of her cultural community.
"This sets a very good example for our community, and it helps young kids get interested in participating," she said. "It makes us feel, as minorities, that we belong in the community." she said.
Caru Das, a priest at Sri Sri Radha Krishna
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Temple in Spanish Fork, chanted part of the ritual blessing for the goddess Lakshmi and translated religious verses into English. He also led the group in a chant of "Om shanti," which is meant to bring peace to the chanters.
The traditional open flame used in the ceremony wasn't allowed in the mansion, so a light was used in its place. After the light was plugged in, the guests ate an Indochinese mix of foods ranging from vegetable balls Manchurian to South Indian eggplant, catered by Royal India restaurant in Sandy.
"Diwali traditionally is celebrated over five days, but let's bring the goodness and friendship of those five days into just one night," Huntsman said.
smcfarland@sltrib.com
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10934221
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Living in the light: Indian-American community celebrates Diwali
Living in the light: Indian-American community celebrates Diwali
By Jeff Morganteen
Staff Writer
Article Launched: 10/26/2008 02:42:27 AM EDT
STAMFORD - Shivani Diwan stood behind an array of pastries from various Indian regions as members of the Indian-American community mingled in bright, multicolored saris or turbans.
"Every year, there are more, more, more," Diwan said, referring to the growth of the Indian-American community. "It's like I'm in India now."
At the Stamford campus of the University of Connecticut, the local Global Organization of People of Indian Origin on Saturday held the second-annual celebration of Diwali, a significant Indian holiday honored by Hindus, Sihks and Jains. Commonly compared with the Christian holiday of Christmas, Diwali is a time of gift-giving and prayer, with thousands of years of historical, religious and financial connotations.
"It's a special holiday for us," said Ravi Dhingra, spokesman for the organization. "For most Hindus, it's the most significant holiday."
India celebrates Diwali this week, and so will Stamford's Indian-American community. About 400 people attended Saturday's event to the celebrate, event organizers said.
"Next year, we'll probably be turning away people," said Paul Ahuja, a Global Organization of People of Indian Origin board member.
Indian stores often report significant upticks in sales in the weeks before Diwali. But The Times of India newspaper reported that financial turmoil has repelled shoppers.
Still, Indian-Americans on Saturday donned new clothes and jewelry for the celebration, a custom that marks a transition from old to
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new, said Datta Naik, graduate school dean at Monmouth University in New Jersey.
Naik wore a new yellow dress shirt and brown blazer.
"To me, it's the beginning of a new year," Naik said of Diwali. "A new era, a new year, new beginning."
In India, residents celebrate Diwali as a four-day event, complete with fireworks and a unique time for siblings to reaffirm their love, Naik said. Some Indian businesses also begin their new fiscal year on Diwali.
"India is so diverse that you find different stories about this festival," Naik said. "Diwali itself means string of light."
Beyond the gift-giving and new beginnings, Diwali recognizes the symbolic triumph of light over darkness, told in the Ramayana, the ancient Sanskrit epic poem, event organizers said.
"It's as old as the stories," Naik said of Diwali.
- Staff Writer Jeff Morganteen can be reached at jeff.morganteen@scni.com or at 964-2215.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/norwalkadvocate/news/ci_10819440
By Jeff Morganteen
Staff Writer
Article Launched: 10/26/2008 02:42:27 AM EDT
STAMFORD - Shivani Diwan stood behind an array of pastries from various Indian regions as members of the Indian-American community mingled in bright, multicolored saris or turbans.
"Every year, there are more, more, more," Diwan said, referring to the growth of the Indian-American community. "It's like I'm in India now."
At the Stamford campus of the University of Connecticut, the local Global Organization of People of Indian Origin on Saturday held the second-annual celebration of Diwali, a significant Indian holiday honored by Hindus, Sihks and Jains. Commonly compared with the Christian holiday of Christmas, Diwali is a time of gift-giving and prayer, with thousands of years of historical, religious and financial connotations.
"It's a special holiday for us," said Ravi Dhingra, spokesman for the organization. "For most Hindus, it's the most significant holiday."
India celebrates Diwali this week, and so will Stamford's Indian-American community. About 400 people attended Saturday's event to the celebrate, event organizers said.
"Next year, we'll probably be turning away people," said Paul Ahuja, a Global Organization of People of Indian Origin board member.
Indian stores often report significant upticks in sales in the weeks before Diwali. But The Times of India newspaper reported that financial turmoil has repelled shoppers.
Still, Indian-Americans on Saturday donned new clothes and jewelry for the celebration, a custom that marks a transition from old to
Advertisement
new, said Datta Naik, graduate school dean at Monmouth University in New Jersey.
Naik wore a new yellow dress shirt and brown blazer.
"To me, it's the beginning of a new year," Naik said of Diwali. "A new era, a new year, new beginning."
In India, residents celebrate Diwali as a four-day event, complete with fireworks and a unique time for siblings to reaffirm their love, Naik said. Some Indian businesses also begin their new fiscal year on Diwali.
"India is so diverse that you find different stories about this festival," Naik said. "Diwali itself means string of light."
Beyond the gift-giving and new beginnings, Diwali recognizes the symbolic triumph of light over darkness, told in the Ramayana, the ancient Sanskrit epic poem, event organizers said.
"It's as old as the stories," Naik said of Diwali.
- Staff Writer Jeff Morganteen can be reached at jeff.morganteen@scni.com or at 964-2215.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/norwalkadvocate/news/ci_10819440
Two million American Hindus ‘would not endorse any presidential candidate’
Two million American Hindus ‘would not endorse any presidential candidate’
Sunday, 26th October 2008. 6:36am
By: Judy West.
American Hindus, numbering around two million, would not endorse any single candidate for the November four presidential election, it has been reported.
Two million American Hindus ‘would not endorse any presidential candidate’
The Indo-American Hindu leader Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that religion was something sacred and spiritual; a tool for communication with God; ‘human response to divine Reality’; and meant for focusing the heart/mind of the devotee to some higher ideal. It should not be associated with materialistic objectives like partisan politics.
Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, points out that most Hindus are well versed with nitisastra, covering political science and political ethics in all its practical aspects. Moreover, ancient Sanskrit scriptures like Atharva-veda, Aitareya Brahmana, Arthasastra of Kautilya, Santiparvan in Mahabharata, Barhaspatya Arthasastra, Nitisara, etc., have educated them to make wise political decisions.
Zed says that he has received lot of pressure to endorse presidential and other candidates but has stayed away from this ‘allurement’. Religious organizations and leaders can work for spreading justice, freedom, responsibility, righteousness and fairness; but religion loses moral power when it gets involved in partisan politics.
But Zed has asked all eligible Hindu-Americans to stand up and vote, because it puts them in the driver’s seat; helps them control their future, speak their mind, and make others listen; and demands respect. “Hindus are prudent enough to vote with their well-formed conscience in the November 4 general election for president; federal, state, district, and city offices; measures and constitutional amendments,” he said.
For full story, please go to:
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=3153
Sunday, 26th October 2008. 6:36am
By: Judy West.
American Hindus, numbering around two million, would not endorse any single candidate for the November four presidential election, it has been reported.
Two million American Hindus ‘would not endorse any presidential candidate’
The Indo-American Hindu leader Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that religion was something sacred and spiritual; a tool for communication with God; ‘human response to divine Reality’; and meant for focusing the heart/mind of the devotee to some higher ideal. It should not be associated with materialistic objectives like partisan politics.
Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, points out that most Hindus are well versed with nitisastra, covering political science and political ethics in all its practical aspects. Moreover, ancient Sanskrit scriptures like Atharva-veda, Aitareya Brahmana, Arthasastra of Kautilya, Santiparvan in Mahabharata, Barhaspatya Arthasastra, Nitisara, etc., have educated them to make wise political decisions.
Zed says that he has received lot of pressure to endorse presidential and other candidates but has stayed away from this ‘allurement’. Religious organizations and leaders can work for spreading justice, freedom, responsibility, righteousness and fairness; but religion loses moral power when it gets involved in partisan politics.
But Zed has asked all eligible Hindu-Americans to stand up and vote, because it puts them in the driver’s seat; helps them control their future, speak their mind, and make others listen; and demands respect. “Hindus are prudent enough to vote with their well-formed conscience in the November 4 general election for president; federal, state, district, and city offices; measures and constitutional amendments,” he said.
For full story, please go to:
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=3153
Boston(USA) : Deepavali Celebrations
Hindu holiday brings light like Christmas
Joe Fitzgerald By Joe Fitzgerald
Monday, October 27, 2008 - Updated 1d 13h ago
+ Recent Articles
Boston Herald Columnist
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The nearest thing she could compare it to, aesthetically, was Christmas because of its theme of darkness being dispersed by light.
It’s called Diwali, but if you’re not a Hindu or of Indian descent, it probably won’t mean a thing to you, unless you live in Sharon, in which case by now you might even know its music.
That’s what Sunita Sanan, this year’s president of the Indian American Association of Sharon, was hoping to encourage in overseeing Saturday night’s 26th annual celebration of this holiday that will be officially celebrated in her homeland tomorrow.
“All of India will look like Christmas over here,” she said. “Businessmen will close their accounts to begin a new year, and diyas (small lamps) will be shining everywhere.”
They call it the festival of lights.
“In every faith,” Sunan, a 44-year-old mother of three, observes, “light signifies the victory of good over evil in this world. Though Diwali also is a harvest festival, a time to thank God for the year’s good harvest.”
So what? Who cares? What’s that got to do with us over here?”
Sunan’s answer was disarming.
Her sold-out event (400 residents) at the Sharon Middle School, featuring dancing, dinner, Indian displays and even prayer (Sanskrit), wasn’t meant to proselytize, she said, nor was it an attempt to defuse the anti-immigrant hysteria gripping much of this country today.
“I am not a political person. I just know we have a need to respect the people all around us. My family has not been affected by hatred or bigotry, thank God, because we live in a place where people are caring, where our friends and neighbors are respectful and understanding of our values, as we are of theirs.
“This school system has given so much to our kids that our association wanted to give something back. That’s how this got started, and now we’ve added a community scholarship.”
The wife of a prominent endocrinologist, some might say she’s living the American dream and Sanan would not disagree.
“But that’s another reason why this is important, allowing us to remain in contact with our roots.”
Its message, however, is universal.
“On its most basic level,” she said, “Diwali teaches us to put our ignorance aside, moving towards the light.”
By any faith or standard, that’s heading in a pretty good direction.
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view/2008_10_27_Hindu_holiday_brings_light_like_Christmas/srvc=home&position=3
Joe Fitzgerald By Joe Fitzgerald
Monday, October 27, 2008 - Updated 1d 13h ago
+ Recent Articles
Boston Herald Columnist
EmailE-mail PrintablePrintable Comments(23) Comments LargerSmallerText size ShareShare Rate(0) Rate
The nearest thing she could compare it to, aesthetically, was Christmas because of its theme of darkness being dispersed by light.
It’s called Diwali, but if you’re not a Hindu or of Indian descent, it probably won’t mean a thing to you, unless you live in Sharon, in which case by now you might even know its music.
That’s what Sunita Sanan, this year’s president of the Indian American Association of Sharon, was hoping to encourage in overseeing Saturday night’s 26th annual celebration of this holiday that will be officially celebrated in her homeland tomorrow.
“All of India will look like Christmas over here,” she said. “Businessmen will close their accounts to begin a new year, and diyas (small lamps) will be shining everywhere.”
They call it the festival of lights.
“In every faith,” Sunan, a 44-year-old mother of three, observes, “light signifies the victory of good over evil in this world. Though Diwali also is a harvest festival, a time to thank God for the year’s good harvest.”
So what? Who cares? What’s that got to do with us over here?”
Sunan’s answer was disarming.
Her sold-out event (400 residents) at the Sharon Middle School, featuring dancing, dinner, Indian displays and even prayer (Sanskrit), wasn’t meant to proselytize, she said, nor was it an attempt to defuse the anti-immigrant hysteria gripping much of this country today.
“I am not a political person. I just know we have a need to respect the people all around us. My family has not been affected by hatred or bigotry, thank God, because we live in a place where people are caring, where our friends and neighbors are respectful and understanding of our values, as we are of theirs.
“This school system has given so much to our kids that our association wanted to give something back. That’s how this got started, and now we’ve added a community scholarship.”
The wife of a prominent endocrinologist, some might say she’s living the American dream and Sanan would not disagree.
“But that’s another reason why this is important, allowing us to remain in contact with our roots.”
Its message, however, is universal.
“On its most basic level,” she said, “Diwali teaches us to put our ignorance aside, moving towards the light.”
By any faith or standard, that’s heading in a pretty good direction.
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view/2008_10_27_Hindu_holiday_brings_light_like_Christmas/srvc=home&position=3
USA: Hindus take part in Diwali at Burlington
Hindus take part in Diwali
By TODD MCHALE
Burlington County Times
CHERRY HILL — Hundreds of Hindus from across the region came out to take part in yesterday's Diwali celebration at the BAPS Temple in Cherry Hill.
“Today is Diwali. It is the victory of good over evil,” said K.D. Patel of Delran of the major Indian festival that is celebrated here and across the globe.
The festival is significant in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism and widely known as the Festival of Lights. The lights signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.
In many parts of India, Diwali represents the homecoming of Lord Rama of Ayodya after a 14-year exile in the forest and a war in which he killed the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness.
While the festival officially falls Tuesday this year, Patel said they celebrated Diwali yesterday in order to allow for more people to come and enjoy the festivities.
During the festival, Diwali is celebrated with fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship.
“It's a huge festival like Christmas and New Years Day,” Patel said.
Neil Patel, also of Delran, said he and about 30 others spent about two weeks setting up the temple for the festival.
“Nothing is the same. Everything is different every year,” Neil Patel said the decorations
He said more than 2,200 items were brought in by worshipers and offered to the deities for this year's celebration.
“They are food items,” K.D. Patel said. “The food can be made of the same ingredients but they are cooked in several ways.”
The food will be eaten at the end of the day after the worship, according to Chirag Patel of Delran.
Sheena Patel of Evesham said the festival offers an opportunity to show others about her religion, Hinduism.
“I think it's nice, because we get to spread the word about our religion,” the 15-year-old said. “We get to bond with our family and meet and greet with other people.”
Chirag Patel said he was pleased with this year's turnout.
“I thing it's going well. It's a good turnout,” he said.
“Every Hindu in the area will devote time to come to the temple today.”
Contact Todd McHale at tmchale@phillyBurbs.com.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/112-10272008-1611524.html
By TODD MCHALE
Burlington County Times
CHERRY HILL — Hundreds of Hindus from across the region came out to take part in yesterday's Diwali celebration at the BAPS Temple in Cherry Hill.
“Today is Diwali. It is the victory of good over evil,” said K.D. Patel of Delran of the major Indian festival that is celebrated here and across the globe.
The festival is significant in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism and widely known as the Festival of Lights. The lights signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.
In many parts of India, Diwali represents the homecoming of Lord Rama of Ayodya after a 14-year exile in the forest and a war in which he killed the demon king Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness.
While the festival officially falls Tuesday this year, Patel said they celebrated Diwali yesterday in order to allow for more people to come and enjoy the festivities.
During the festival, Diwali is celebrated with fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship.
“It's a huge festival like Christmas and New Years Day,” Patel said.
Neil Patel, also of Delran, said he and about 30 others spent about two weeks setting up the temple for the festival.
“Nothing is the same. Everything is different every year,” Neil Patel said the decorations
He said more than 2,200 items were brought in by worshipers and offered to the deities for this year's celebration.
“They are food items,” K.D. Patel said. “The food can be made of the same ingredients but they are cooked in several ways.”
The food will be eaten at the end of the day after the worship, according to Chirag Patel of Delran.
Sheena Patel of Evesham said the festival offers an opportunity to show others about her religion, Hinduism.
“I think it's nice, because we get to spread the word about our religion,” the 15-year-old said. “We get to bond with our family and meet and greet with other people.”
Chirag Patel said he was pleased with this year's turnout.
“I thing it's going well. It's a good turnout,” he said.
“Every Hindu in the area will devote time to come to the temple today.”
Contact Todd McHale at tmchale@phillyBurbs.com.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/112-10272008-1611524.html
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
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
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