St Louis: President Obama has observed that on the occasion of Diwali, “here at home and across the globe, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali – the Festival of Lights, and we join them wholeheartedly.”
In St. Louis, Mo, on November 17, Center for Indian Cultural Education, Bal Vihar of St Louis celebrated Diwali and Hindu New Year with over 600 participants that included children and their parents, performing puja in the Hindu temple of St. Louis and enjoying the New Year with fireworks.
As a tradition, Bal Vihar school has been celebrating this event since 1992. Diwali is the biggest event of Bal Vihar and one that the kids and parents look forward to. For the parents, it is an opportunity to give their children a flavor of what Diwali in India would be like. The biggest attraction of the day (or rather evening) is surely the fireworks.
Each child and parent offered puja to Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi, and chanted bhajans. This event was followed by carry out dinner for all who participated in the event. Under the supervision of parents, children enjoyed the fireworks, thanks to local businesses and some Bal Vihar parents who contributed to the occasion.
The Hindu Temple provided the facility for this festival and made it a memorable event for children and their parents.
Center of Indian Cultural Education, Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a premier educational institution of Mo, fosters Asian Indian cultural values in children. Founded in 1992, this organization is preparing the future citizens, achievers of America, to understand and apply Asian Indian culture, its heritage and values for the best in the community.
Raj Iyer & Ashwin Patel
