BAPS Mandirs across North America organized a unique event to help children understand and celebrate Diwali. Marking the Hindu Festival of Diwali, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the celebration was aptly themed “Satyameva Jayate,” meaning the truth always prevails. Fusing the past with the present, children participated in age-old rituals passed down for generations to commemorate this occasion while also enjoying more modern games and activities.
Aimed at making Diwali a truly memorable and enjoyable celebration for children, BAPS Kids’ Diwali Celebration was able to integrate both learning and fun. Families participated in events ranging from rock climbing, representing the climbing of a mountain against all obstacles, to making small oil lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Parents were elated at the opportunity to be able to give their children a cultural legacy. They remembered their own childhoods and Diwali celebrations at their homes in India. The inspirer of the festival, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, gave his blessing that families should work together to celebrate Diwali to inspire love and unity amongst family members. This is just one of the myriad of activities that BAPS hosts to help preserve and sustain Hindu culture for the next generation. Youth volunteers managed the entire event and incorporated modern touches into the program to better connect with the kids. Traditional Indian snacks were complemented with fusion foods while cultural stories were explained through various exhibitions to create an ideal platform to ultimately inspire ancient values among modern children.