LI Cuture Post

Stony Brook’s Indian Community Prepares for a Celebration of Life

Posted October 21, 2010 by Angel Canales

With winter approaching and the days getting shorter, Diwali, the Indian religious and cultural holiday known as the “Festival of Lights,” offers a chance to renew your hopefulness, before it freezes over.

The holiday visits Long Island on October 23 in the form of “Diwali 2010: An Indian Festival of Lights” at Stony Brook University’s Wang Center from 3-8:30pm.

Celebrated for five continuous days, Diwali symbolizes driving away darkness and bringing light into one’s life. The holiday has several spiritual meanings derived from Hindu, Sikh and Jain religious scriptures, including a renewal of hope, life, and excitement. Although Diwali originated as a religious holiday, many secular Indians also celebrate this festival, signaling the dawn of a new era of hope.

What started as a small cultural celebration in Stony Brook has now become one of the most anticipated events for the local Indian community.

Harbinder Singh, a parent who lives in the area helped organized the event, and believes that it holds an appeal for youth: “This event is especially focused on the younger generation, where children showcase their artistic talents, particularly encompassing both the traditional and modern India in the form of dance and song.”

Here are some pictures of last year’s event courtesy of the organizers:

Tags : diwali, festivals, indian, stony brook university, wang center

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