Sunil Kakkar
India Post News Service
The Cupertino Historical Society and Museum is proud to present a special pop-up exhibit in honor of the Bay Area Diwali Festival. The exhibit features interactive exhibits displaying beautiful Indian fashions, educational panels from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA’s traveling exhibit, Darshana: A Glimpse into the Hindu Civilization, children’s activities, and much more.
“This exhibit is made possible by the generous collaboration of our community partners: Fyoli Fyoli, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, and Sarini’s Creations,” said Jennifer Furlong, Executive Director of the Cupertino Historical Society and Museum.
The exhibit opened Friday, October 7 with a special preview, which was open to the public from 6:30 pm to 8 pm featuring special guest Mayor Darcy Paul, Yoga, and a special candle-lighting ceremony. Visitors could also see the exhibit during the Bay Area Diwali Festival on Saturday, October 8, 11 am to 6 pm.
This Celebration of Diwali Pop-Up Exhibit will be on view in the Cupertino Historical Museum until October 21, 2022. The Cupertino Historical Museum is in the Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Road in Cupertino and is open Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and by special appointment. Learn more at www.cupertinohistoricalsociety.org
According to a press release issued by the museum, “The mission of the Cupertino Historical Society and Museum is to preserve and share Cupertino’s past, strengthen our sense of community, and make Cupertino history available for all. CHSM is owned and operated by the Cupertino Historical Society, a private, nonprofit educational organization, established in 1966.
The Cupertino Historical Society and Museum is the city’s oldest (and only) cultural organization whose purpose is to preserve and present Cupertino’s unique history. This exhibit presents a platform with which to involve our community while deepening our collective understanding and appreciation of Indo-American culture. “
Mayor Darcy Paul, who was a special guest in attendance at the exhibit opening, shared that “Council supports working together. The best of our City comes out when community organizations work together, and this collaboration between the Cupertino Historical Society + Museum, Fyoli Fyoli, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, and Sarini’s Creations is no exception. We look forward to helping open this exhibit in Cupertino Friday evening.”
“The museum, in partnership with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Fyoli Fyoli, and Sarini’s Creations, is excited to feature the rich culture and history of India with a particular emphasis on the Diwali holiday. Darshana: A Glimpse into the Hindu Civilization presents an opportunity to learn about one of the oldest civilizations in the world with continuing global presence today.
The exhibition was created by a group of Hindu-Americans with the purpose of clearing misconceptions, introducing some key terms, and inspiring further research into the rich culture that has found its home in the United States and globally,” said Furlong, in a press release.
According to Vaibhav Sunghal, of HSS, “The Darshana exhibition is a proactive approach to bring awareness about the Hindu Civilization. It is expected to bring conscious understanding and inclusivity to the broad American Hindu society. We are very happy and excited to collaborate with City of Cupertino in hosting the exhibition at Cupertino Historical Society Museum.”
Cupertino Vice Mayor, Liang Chao, adds, “Hindu civilization is another one which sustained the test of time is growing stronger as Hindu people immigrate to other countries. I am looking forward to learning the strength of Hindu culture at the Cupertino Historical Society and Museum exhibit.
I really appreciate Cupertino Historical Society’s effort partnering with local organizations to bring us yet another wonderful display.”
“It is all about making people aware about the handicrafts and artistic work done by the artisans and weavers of India, who work so hard to present intricate weaves and designs on fabrics and other materials”, said Sarini Kakkar, the founder of Sarini’s Creations.
Said Furlong in a museum Facebook post “Thank you to everyone who came out to preview our pop-up exhibit in honor of the Bay Area Diwali Festival. Thank you so much to Mayor Darcy Paul, Chamber Executive Director Rick Kitson, Vice Mayor Liang Chao, Council Member Kitty Moore, Commissioner Muni Madhdhipatla, Commissioner Govind Tatachari, Meenu Devrani, Sarini Kakkar, and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS). Last evening was a lovely testament to the power of museums to build community and celebrate culture.”
