Diwali Celebration at Cleveland City Hall Presented by FICA October 29, 2010
Diwali is also known as the "Festival of Lights". Diwali is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda decorated for Diwali
The Federation of India Community Associations of NE Ohio (FICA) presented a Diwali celebration at the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda.
FICA President Mona Alag welcomed the crowd and then introduced Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.
FICA President Mona Alag and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
Mayor Jackson presents a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Cleveland to Mona Alag and FICA.
Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or dipas) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.
Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, from his fourteen-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas and burst firecrackers.
FICA Trustee Sudarshan Sathe spoke about the significance of Diwali.
Next Sujatha Srinivasan from Kala Mandir School of Dance performed the Ganesh Vandana.
Sujatha Srinivasan from Kala Mandir School of Dance
Next came a prayer from Pandit Joshi from Shiva Vishnu Temple.
Pandit Joshi from Shiva Vishnu Temple
Despite some technical difficulties with the sound system the Diya Dance was beautifully performed by Neeti Sharma and Dr. Sangita Mehta.
Diya Dance performed by Neeti Sharma and Dr. Sangita Mehta
