Home > News
TONH Holds Celebration Of Indian Festival Of Diwali On Saturday, October 21st

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                  CONTACT: Justin Meyers
October 30, 2007                                                                     (516) 869-7794

TONH HOLDS CELEBRATION OF INDIAN FESTIVAL OF DIWALI ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST

New Hyde Park, NY– North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, members of the North Hempstead Town Council, and more than 500 people celebrated the Indian Festival of Diwali at Clinton G. Martin Park on Saturday, October 21st.

“North Hempstead’s population is very diverse, and I’m pleased we can make our facilities available for the celebration of the Indian Festival of Diwali, “Kaiman said. “The evening was filled with traditional singing and dance performances, and was highlighted by the lighting of the Diwali Lamp. It was a wonderful sight to see so many residents participate in the celebration.”

Diwali, also known as “the festival of lights,” is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs all around the world. Perhaps the most well-known of the Indian festivals, it is a 5-day celebration occurring annually on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika (during October/November in the Gregorian calendar).

The word Diwali means “rows of lighted lamps,” and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights because of the common practice of lighting small oil lamps (called diyas) and placing them around the home, in courtyards and in gardens, as well as on rooftops and outer walls. During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned, windows are opened and diyas are lighted as a greeting to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. During the celebration, sweets are distributed, gifts are exchanged and festive, traditional meals are prepared.

A light repast followed the program.

View Archives