SOUDERTON — Governor Josh Shapiro’s recent signing of PA Senate Bill 402 made Diwali an official state holiday, and that “celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity,” said state Sen. Greg Rothman, who co-sponsored the bill with state Sen. Nikil Saval. “As the number of Asian Americans grows steadily here in Pennsylvania and across the country, our Commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion,” Saval said.
That inclusion was on display Saturday, Oct. 26, as the joyous occasion of Diwali and the Hindu New Year was celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at 2021 E. Township Line Road.
Hundreds attended the celebration where the traditional ‘Annakut’ display of vegetarian delicacies offered in front of God as a form of devotion was the focal point. The festival was attended by members of the Hindu community in the North Penn region and invited guests, including local, state and federal elected officials. Among those attending were Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. BAPS charities also does food drives, blood donation drives , walkathon and health awareness lectures for the community.
Set from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3 this year, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is observed by an estimated one billion-plus Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains globally. Its ubiquitous candles, oil lamps and fireworks symbolize light over darkness and good over evil — concepts depicted in stories like the victory of Lord Rama who reclaimed his rightful throne in the kingdom of Ayodhya after killing 10-headed demon king Ravana or Mother Goddess Durga’s defeat of demonic buffalo Mahishasura. Prayer is essential, and devotees’ “pujas” or “poojas” appeal to the deities for blessings, frequently, to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom.
Diwali is a joyous family festival, regarded as the beginning of a new year and accompanied by lots of entertaining, sweets and special clothing. Jewelry and coins are also traditional Diwali purchases. The Confederation of All India Traders estimates some $45 billion was spent on Diwali-related goods — mainlyfood, jewelry and textiles — in 2023. This year, Mattel has introduced Diwali Barbie, officially, “Barbie Signature Diwali Doll by Anita Dongre Wearing Festival of Lights Look.”
The annual “All that Glitters Diwali Ball” at New York’s Pierre Hotel attracts a who’s who of international celebrities, and current social media posts invite followers to enjoy “Diwaloween,” a nod to the fact that the five-day holiday’s main festival day, Oct. 31, overlaps Halloween.
In addition to Saturday’s celebration at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, BAPS and Bharatiya Temple in Montgomeryville are hosting a variety of special religious and social events. A number of area libraries have also planned free Diwali-related activities:
— Wissahickon Valley Public Library’s Ambler Branch (classical Indian dance performances by the Nardhana Academy of Dance and kids’ crafts), Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. and noon. Information: 215-646-1072
— William Jeanes Memorial Library in Lafayette Hill (Diwali and Day of the Dead crafts for kids), Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 610-828-0441
— Royersford Free Public Library (candle carving and craft options for kids of all ages as well as Indian food tastings), Nov. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 610-948-7277
“I think celebrations like this are important, because our community has become so multi-cultural in the last 10 years or so,” said RFPL Librarian Addy McGarr. “We’re purposely making a push to acknowledge other cultures, other traditions … and offer programs that are culturally-relevant. At the same time, we want to be culturally sensitive by making sure that we’re paying respect to the real tradition and accurately portraying the people it represents.
“The finger foods and dessert that we’ll be [offering] are being donated by an Indian-American resident who’s owned restaurants in the area and now works for a private catering company. She’s donating this food out of the goodness of her heart, and community partnerships like that mean so much.”
