Understand that Diwali is
celebrated in a grand manner in parts of London
too… Fireworks and lamps are used to create a riot of color to celebrate the
victory of good over evil. The temples over there especially those of Lakshmi
Narayan sect, ISCKON and the like attract thousands of people including many
distinguished people of that country. Had posted about Neasden temple which
opened in 1995 and is the largest of its kind outside of India. Made of
almost 2,820 tons of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tons of Italian carrara marble the temple was carved in India and then shipped to London for building. Since opening the temple
has attracted almost three million visitors.
This Diwali Samantha Cameron alongwith her husband British PM David
Cameron visited this temple on Diwali day ~ and she was clad in a beautiful
russet-coloured sari edged in gold worn in a traditional way.
Miles away in USA, President Barack Obama greeted Hindus, Sikhs,
Jains and Buddhists across the globe on the occasion of Diwali, saying the
flame of the diya reminds that light will ultimately triumph over darkness.
“Here in the US,
Diwali also reminds us that our nation is home to many faiths and traditions,
and that our diversity makes us stronger, which I why I’m proud that this year
Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together for the first-ever
celebration of Diwali on Capitol Hill,” he said. He continued stating “Over the last five
years, Michelle and I have been honoured to have the chance to observe this
ancient holiday, both at the White House and in India, and we wish all those
celebrating this weekend a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak.” “Dancing, celebration, and good food remind
us that life’s greatest joys are the simple pleasures that come from spending
time with people we love. Contemplation and prayer remind us that that people
of all faiths have an obligation to perform seva, or service to others,” Obama
said.
This year, it was US First
lady Michelle who led Diwali celebrations at the White House, attended by lawmakers, senior administration
officials and eminent Indian Americans.
US Senators John Cornyn and Mark R Warner, co-chairs of Senate’s
bipartisan India Caucus, announced that they would introduce a bipartisan
resolution in the Congress to recognize the religious and historical
significance of Diwali. Michelle Obama
led the Diwali celebrations with the Bollywood music at the State room of the
building along with Indian American children and a popular Indian American
band. “We had a wonderful time, …it was
the first time that we did Bollywood in the State Room here at the White
House,” she said amidst applause from the audience. , Wearing a glamorous skirt especially made
for the occasion by India-born eminent designer, she said ‘you know, I can
dance’ apparent reference to her dance
in Mumbai three years ago when she observed Diwali.
The White House celebrated
Diwali by lighting the White House diya, as Michelle Obama addressed the
gathering in the Blue Room. This marks the fifth time that the Obamas have
celebrated Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. The First Lady chatted
conversationally then took a more solemn tone adding - Diwali is a time for celebration. As Barack
and I learned during our visit to India, it’s a time to come together
with friends and family, often with dancing and good food,” she said. “But
Diwali is also a time for contemplation and reflection. It’s a time for us to
think about our obligations to our fellow human beings, particularly those who
are less fortunate than we are. This is for the first time that the First Lady
led the Diwali celebrations at the White House. In 2009, the US President,
Barack Obama, attended the Diwali celebrations for the first time.
She concluded stating ‘I am
so proud and so honored to be celebrating this beautiful holiday at the White
House with all of you. I want to thank you for everything that you do for our
communities and for this country. And I wish you all and all your loved ones a
Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak’.
Back home, a group
is still unable to align with Hindu festivals ~ they try to commercially
exploit all Hindu festivals – but would shy away from wishing people and on
their TVs would say ‘holiday special’ and more…… those who are able to chant Om
Namo Narayanaya – get eternal bliss – we feel pity for those who could not do
so publicly.
With regards – S. Sampathkumar.
