Diwali celebrated in Oklahoma with gatherings and a food drive

Oklahomans celebrated the festival of lights – Diwali in their homes and came together in groups in October and November. The festival was officially on Oct 24th this year, but celebrations continued in many forms through November.

Diwali is a religious festival from the Indian sub-continent, observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists around the globe. It marks the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over spiritual darkness. In the US and Oklahoma, its universal message and brilliant celebrations are equally popular among South Asians and locals.

The Diwali celebrations kicked off with puja (ceremonial worship) at the Hindu Temple of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. Children and their parents also gathered for Diwali Mela – a fun fair for families around the theme of Diwali. The Diwali Mela featured traditional art activities, games, group dances, and a delicious vegetarian meal, all organized by Balavikas. This Sunday school offers Hindu cultural education to children around Oklahoma City. Almost 150 parents and children dressed in colorful traditional outfits had fun, food, and laughter at the event.

The India Association of Oklahoma also organized its annual Diwali Night in early November at the Oklahoma City Community College. Mayor Larry Heikkila of the City of Norman graced the event with his wife, Janet, and performed the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The gala function featured cultural group performances on stage, such as songs and dances, and a lavish spread of Indian delicacies at the buffet dinner. The event saw around 550 people from around Oklahoma City come together to celebrate Diwali as a community.

Engaging in charity also has special significance during Diwali. In the spirit of giving, several Oklahomans donated food and funds to a national food drive called Sewa Diwali, wherein Sewa stands for selfless service. The Sewa Diwali food drive is in its third year in Oklahoma, and its donations this year would provide almost 3,500 meals to hungry Oklahomans through the Regional Food Bank. Mayor David Holt of Oklahoma City recognized these massive efforts by signing a citation of gratitude for the organizers and donors. Sewa Diwali 2022's National Coordinator, Anil Kothari, also an Oklahoman, said,

Diwali brings people together with its cheerful and enlightening spirit. Sewa Diwali takes it to the next level, by using this festive spirit to bring light into the lives of the needy, thanks to our generous partners and donors all over the country!