Salem Hindu Community Brings Diwali Celebration To Fire Department

SALEM, NH — Members of Salem's Hindu community showed their appreciation for the town's first responders by bringing their Diwali celebrations to the Salem Fire Department earlier this week.

The members of the community arrived at the fire station for a prearranged meeting on Monday — which was Diwali — wearing bright ethnic attire and bringing sweets and snacks in colorful packages.

"The community members were happy to find a way to honor much admired fellow citizens," said a spokesperson for the local Hindu community.

The spokesperson said the firemen invited the visitors into the station for a chat and to pose for photos.

"The members of the Salem Fire Department enjoyed the time spent with the members of the Hindu Community of Salem," Salem Fire Chief Larry Best said. " It was interesting to learn about Diwali."

Best continued: "The members of SFD take an active and highly visible part in the community and embrace ethnic and cultural diversity. We enjoy these types of community engagement opportunities. We appreciate the celebrations and gifts of sweets and food. Their generosity was tremendous."

Diwali is a joyous Hindu holiday known as the "festival of lights" that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. People mark the occasion by decorating their homes with colorful patterns, called rangoli, giving gifts of sweets and snacks and praying for prosperity.

Several States, including New Hampshire and Massachusetts, have proclaimed October as Hindu Heritage Month because many Hindu festivals occur during the month.

Hindu organizations around the country are taking part in public service activities during the month, according to the spokesperson for the local Hindu community.

"The small community in Salem, New Hampshire hoped that their way of honoring the firefighters will start a trend in other places and foster a better understanding of Hindu traditions in the community," the spokesperson said.