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Diwali
November 12, 2023 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
You are invited for Diwali Celebrations!
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. It is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” due to the tradition of lighting oil lamps and candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Here is a short overview of Diwali:
Significance: Diwali holds deep religious and cultural significance for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It signifies various legends, including the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Duration: Diwali typically lasts for five days, with each day having its own unique rituals and traditions.
Customs and Traditions:
- Cleaning and Decoration: People clean and decorate their homes to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
- Lighting of Lamps: Diyas (oil lamps) and candles are lit to dispel darkness and bring in light.
- Fireworks: Fireworks displays are a common part of the celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Prayers and Pujas: Families visit temples and perform special prayers and pujas during Diwali.
- Rangoli: Colorful patterns and designs are created on the floor, often using colored powders, rice, or flower petals.
- Sweets and Treats: Special sweets and snacks are prepared and shared with family and friends.
- Exchanging Gifts: The exchange of gifts is a common practice during Diwali, symbolizing love and goodwill.
Celebration: Families come together to celebrate Diwali, and it is a time for reflection, renewal, and strengthening of bonds. The atmosphere is filled with joy, festivity, and a sense of togetherness.
Universal Message: Beyond its religious significance, Diwali conveys a universal message of hope, triumph over adversity, and the importance of spreading light and happiness to those around us.
In a nutshell, Diwali is a beautiful festival that celebrates the victory of light, goodness, and prosperity. It brings people together in the spirit of love and unity and is a time to express gratitude and seek blessings for a brighter future.
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Sponsorships, Participation, and Blessed Prasadam
If you would like to help sponsor the festival or participate in the puja yourself, please do consider from the available sponsorships. Sponsorships help to cover the cost of fruits, milk, ghee, flowers and garlands offered during the puja and abhishekam. In gratitude for your kind offering, we will give you blessed and energized prasadam from the event.
For sponsorship of Abhisekham or Archana, please reach out to our Temple Priest Sharma Ji at 630-247-0173 or email to htcscipooja@gmail.com.
For some sponsorships, we will include your name in the sankalpam chanted before the event. The sankalpam is a Sanskrit statement recited before any major puja or homam. When your name is recited in the sankalpam, it creates a subtle energetic bond between you and the puja or homam, bringing divine blessings to you and your family.
All sponsors receive blessed and energized prasadam from the event. Blessed prasadam usually includes small packets of kumkum and/or vibhuti as well as special items like a blessed thread, yajna raksha, or other holy items.
Helpful Information for First-Time Visitors
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