Seasonal & Holidays
Local Families Celebrate Diwali, 'Festival Of Lights' In Chatham
This year's Diwali celebration was held in Chatham Township last week, and a special food drive for local pantries is now underway.
CHATHAM, NJ — Diwali, also known as the "festival of lights," is one of India's most important festivals. Diwali, an important festival for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, is celebrated by millions of Indian-origin people around the world, and it has made its way to Chatham.
Diwali festivities were held on October 24 in the parking lot of the Chatham Township Municipal building by a group of local Indian residents.
A representative for the organization "Indians in Chatham, New Jersey" shared that about 100 members of the Indian Community dressed to impress, shared treats, sent wishes to one another and lit ceremonial fireworks while making new memories with their families. Stacey Ewald, a committeewoman, was also present at the event, officials said.
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"Drizzling and fog couldn't dampen people's spirits," said the group.
Millions of people worldwide celebrate the five-day Festival of Lights. In a spiritual sense, Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. People dress up for the festival, decorate their homes with rangoli, and light up their homes with diyas (oil lamps). Additionally, they hold Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity and wealth) worship rituals and light fireworks while enjoying meals with their families.
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The SEWADiwali food drive, which is now in its third year and is being organized locally by the Indians in Chatham, New Jersey group in partnership with the local YMCA, will once again benefit the Morris Interfaith food pantry from now until Nov. 20.
The group is currently accepting shelf-stable items like pasta, canned soups, bags of rice, peanut butter in plastic jars, pasta sauce, coffee, tea, sugar, canned fruits and vegetables and cereals. Those interested in donating can do so at the Madison YMCA Family Center lobby, the Summit YMCA, or the Berkley Heights YMCA.
For more information on the Indians in Chatham, New Jersey Group on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/150197095533003.
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