Diwali - Festival of Lights

Deepavali, or Diwali is a major Indian holiday, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus , Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Kartika month, which comes in the month of October or November.

In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest, after he defeated the evil Ravana. The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name: Deepavali. This word, in due course, became Diwali in Hindi. But, in South Indian languages, the word did not undergo any change, and hence the festival is called Deepavali in southern India. There are many different observances of the holiday across India.

To read more about Diwali, please visit : website

The event starting at 5:30 will start with prayer, followed by Traditional Indian food and Dance.

 
Date and Time:
 Sunday, November 2, 2008.  5:30 PM.
Approximate duration of 4.5 hour(s).
Location:
Old Union , Stanford  [Map]
URL:
Audience:
Faculty/Staff
Students
Category:
Religious
Social Events
Sponsor:
Hindu Students Council at Stanford
Contact:
650-862-5027
kaggarwa@stanford.edu
Admission:
Free for all Stanford Students / faculty and Staff
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Last Modified:
October 30, 2008