By Julie O’Brien Deasy
About 200 New Canaanites celebrated Diwali and experienced the cultures and traditions of India at a joyous event at the New Canaan Library on Saturday. It was a hands-on afternoon of making crafts, tasting treats associated with Diwali, listening to book readings, trying some easy yoga positions, and even learning some new dance steps.
Diwali is the most important and widely celebrated Hindu festival. Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Last week’s event was abuzz with activity and colorful sights. A bright photo backdrop of marigolds – flowers associated with Diwali, a display of books about India, children making glittery clay lamps (known as Diyas), and a table filled with food and sweets from around India were some of the many items set up for visitors to enjoy.
This is the second year that a group of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) New Canaan families joined forces with the New Canaan Library’s Family Services Office to share some Indian culture and celebrate these festive holidays with the entire town.
Yogangi Malhotra, a physician who has lived in New Canaan for 7 years, and Rajni Chidambaram, who works in finance and has lived in town for 8 years, developed the format, and together with some friends and local community members, organized the event.
“We had been seeking a way that would allow us to celebrate parts of our literature, history, and way of life with our neighbors and friends here in New Canaan,” said Chidambaram.
“New Canaanites are so welcoming and supportive of those of us that have chosen to make a home here, we were eager to invite the larger community to share in our culture as a way to show our appreciation, and so we can understand and grow together” she continued.
Diwali typically lasts for five days and usually falls between October and November, depending on the lunar calendar. This year it will be celebrated at the end of October. While Diwali has roots in Hinduism, it is also celebrated all over Southeast Asia in some form by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.
During Diwali, families and friends visit each other’s houses and exchange gifts, sweets, and snacks to share in the joy and prosperity of the occasion.
Traditions include lighting oil lamps, candles, and fireworks to illuminate homes and neighborhoods. Homes may be decorated with rangoli (colorful patterns made on the floor out of colored chalk and rice flour), and marigold and chrysanthemum flowers to welcome good fortune.
A number of New Canaan residents shared and showcased their cultural talents. Shelly Sukhani ran a craft session making colorful floral garlands, called Thorans. Twinkle Gupta led a yoga workshop that incorporated some easy breathing techniques.
“My kids and I enjoyed the festival!” observed Destiny Ikard, of New Canaan. “The way it was set-up allowed us to participate in the parts that interested us and, also, kept it very casual which was perfect for kids. I’m glad the community offers programs like these so that my kids can be exposed to and learn about other cultures.”
Another goal of the event was to increase cultural awareness and appreciation about India in general. A slideshow ran that highlighted interesting facts about Indian culture and history, as well as about some of the other popular holidays and festivals.
Diwali is an especially appropriate introduction to Indian culture as the focus of the holiday is shining a light over darkness, and traditionally involves inviting people into your home to celebrate.
“The common thread that runs through all these celebrations is the deep sense of community coming together,” noted co-organizer Malhotra, who described how friends and neighbors stop by one another’s homes to share sweets and local delicacies. “All the homes are lit up all night long, to invite abundance and prosperity into every home at the start of the year,” she continued.
The event was possible with the help of many New Canaan volunteers who cooked, led crafts and dances at the event, and helped organize the event in general. Ramesh Masilamani, owner of local Indian restaurants Navratna (in Stamford) and India Ave (in Greenwich) provided food and desserts. Attendees also brought desserts from their own cultures to share!
Support was also provided by The New Canaan Library Family Services Office and the New Canaan Library AAPI and Multicultural Diversity Committees, along with several community volunteers.
Rebecca Fox, New Canaan Library Assistant Manager of Family Services, said that these events are ways to “share knowledge of the different cultures within our community.” The Library has held several other similar cultural events recently, including those highlighting Passover/Hanukkah and the Chinese Lunar New Year.
As the event showcased, Diwali is not only a religious festival but also a cultural celebration that emphasizes community, family, and renewal.
As Malhotra observed, “Celebrating with your family and neighbors by inviting and sharing is an integral part of several of our holidays.”
Thanks to the warm hospitality of these New Canaan residents, many people unfamiliar with Indian culture had the opportunity to experience its spirit of generosity and unity firsthand.
