Ritu Maheshwari
India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Festival of Globe (FOG) Diwali, the Festival of Lights was celebrated at the sprawling Mission San Jose High School grounds on Saturday, October 15th, 2022. Diwali is one of the most pious and joyous festivals celebrated across India and the world.
Dr. Romesh Japra, FOG Founder, said, “Diwali represents victory of Good over Evil, and this message is all the more relevant in today’s society for all of us to live in harmony and thrive. FOG strives to bring the community together and give them a platform to celebrate our Hindu values, culture and heritage”.
This year’s FOG Diwali festival consisted of many exciting segments that attracted and enthralled many Festival visitors. The festival had a huge kids’ section where they could play Ramayana related games, test their Ramayana knowledge and learn key values and traditions. A special feature this year was “Finding Seeta” – A kids quiz and knowledge show case to portray traditions and art from Ramayana. This is intended to impart children with knowledge of traditions and history.
Ramayana Parade segment included a large number of groups presenting Ramayana personalities. Parade had many kids dressed up in Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and ‘Ayodhyawasis’ and lead the Parade. Shruthi Swara Laya musical group had a large contingent equipped with musical instruments and they sang devotional songs throughout the parade. Rungmunch Ramayana group performed beautiful Kanchana Mrig Marich Prasang as part of their presentation. Omi Vaidya was the Grand Marshal for the Parade and created immense enthusiasm and energy in the festival through his message and comedy act.
FOG Chair Parade KP Maheshwari said, “Ramayana Parade gave an opportunity for community to come together and depict our values and vulture as represented in Ramayana. There were many youth in Ram, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman attires making the festival ground come to life. Parade attracted thousands of viewers and gave everyone an opportunity to get in touch with our traditions and values”.
As part of Festival, there were many beautifully decorated ‘mandaps’ housing Ram, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and goddess Lakshmi. Festival goers availed the opportunity to perform Puja there.
Over thousand young children performed in dance competition on the stage and showcased their art and skills. A ‘Bharat Darshan’ show consisting of folk dances from all across India mesmerized the audience.
FOG President Rajesh Verma said, “Bringing together communities and providing exciting activities is a huge operational effort. It is only possible because of hundreds of volunteers that support the event.”
FOG Diwali Festival is the largest and most recognized event and attracted several local and state elected officials. Mayor Lily Mei, Assembly member Alex Lee and several council members conveyed their Diwali wishes.
CEFCU, Spare the air, New York life, compass, ICICI bank, keen learners, young champions, Vaneet Sharma, Dr Veena Puri were the key sponsors of the festival.
Media partners Radio Zindagi 1550AM, India Post, Sitaarre TV, OurTripVideos, Sakshi TV, AB24Live, INDTVUSA,Siliconeer, Divyang Vaidya photography and Soni Singh hotography supported the event.
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