Metrowest Holliston Indian Parivar proudly #MOHI presents Diwali Dhamaka 2014

Metrowest Holliston Indian Parivar proudly #MOHI presents Diwali Dhamaka 2014. This program celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights, the biggest festival of India. Program: Diwali Dhamaka 2014 Venue: Sam Placentino Hall, 235 Woodland St, Holliston, MA Time: 3pm-9pm Celebrating: Diwali, the biggest Indian Festival. It celebrates wealth and prosperity and ushers the Hindu New year. Diwali is celebrated across the length and breadth of Indian subcontinent. Diwali is a short form for ‘Deepavali” or rows of diya (oil clay lamps). There are many legends associated with this festival, all rooted in mythology, but for most, this festival primarily celebrates the homecoming of the exiled king Ram, who returns home to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravan, the evil king of Lanka. The story goes that Prince Ram, the true heir to the kingdom of Ayodhya, eldest of 4 brothers, is exiled by his step mother Kaikeyi because she wants her own son Bharat, who is second to Ram, to become the king. (Kaikeyi makes good of two vows that her husband Dashrath had promised her long back. She first asks for 14 years of exile for Ram, and second, to make her own son Bharat, the king of Ayodhya). The ever obedient Prince Ram obeys his scheming mother and helpless father’s wishes, and goes to dwell in a forest for 14 years. His wife Sita and brother Lakshman accompany him. Ravan, the very powerful demon king of Lanka, then kidnaps Sita and tries to force her to marry him. Ram, with the help of a monkey kingdom and their general Hanuman, invades Lanka, kills Ravan and rescues Sita. Bharat, who rebels against his own mother for being so selfish, diligently takes care of the kingdom of Ayodhya in absence of Ram. When victorious Ram finally returns, Bharat welcomes him warmly, and the whole kingdom celebrates by lighting their homes and streets with ‘diyas’ or oil lamps. This year, the group celebrates its second official community event. We strive to bring the whole community together by encouraging people to volunteer their time to organize the event. We have many children volunteers who give a lot of their time and energy to come for various cultural program practices as well as help in various other ways. We also try to impart as much knowledge as possible about our Indian customs and traditions. We firmly believe that children who are rooted in their own original roots find the right balance to become great American citizens of tomorrow. This event also is an occasion where the men, women and children dress themselves in some of the finest Indian clothes and jewelry. The evening will consist of a music filled extravaganza by kids & adults, participate, games, raffle prizes and much more, and of course there is a gala dinner to adorn it all. $20 adults, $10 children (admission covers event costs)