(FOX40.COM) — Sunday afternoon, thousands of people across Sacramento joined together to celebrate Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights. This holiday celebrates unity, positivity and gratitude.
FOX40 attended the vibrant event to learn more and spoke with event organizers and attendees like Paragi Patel.
“Where there is unity, there is light,” Patel said.
Diwali encapsulates a vast array of themes including the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
“[Diwali is] a festive time when all families come together,” Patel said. “It’s a time to celebrate with your family.”
More than 3,500 people across the Sacramento area came together this year for the event at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Sacramento. For some communities, Diwali signifies the official beginning of the Hindu New Year. This five-day holiday generally peaks in festivity on the third day — October 20 this year. However, those who celebrate tell FOX40 the festivities typically continue all month long.
“It actually symbolizes the return of Lord Rama,” Patel said.
It’s an event rooted in history. This cultural celebration is most commonly observed in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, but organizers said people of all religions are invited.
From henna and children’s learning activities, to displays of brilliantly bright colors and lively music, the event welcomes attendees into the temple where they slip off their shoes and set foot into a world of tradition, beauty and light.
FOX40 also met Shrdha Shah at the celebration. She said she looks forward to this event each year — bringing her children and teaching them about their culture.
“My personal favorite, at the temple, the way we celebrate is the grand Annakut,” Shah said. “It’s the mountain of food that we have that is offered to God as our devotion and our gratitude.”
At least 400 volunteers prepared a beautiful, elaborate set-up. It included upwards of 500 savory and sweet delicacies — all vegetarian — cascading across a display of bright colors and religious mementos.
While attendees said the tasty food and radiant energy helps bring in the spirit each year, they emphasized how this holiday also represents a deeper, introspective time to reflect on your blessings and appreciate your loved ones.
“Our goal is to promote unity within ourselves, within our families and within the community,” Shah said. “So we welcome everyone to come and join us.”
Sierra Krug
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