GEETHA PATIL
ROCKY HILL, Connecticut: A Diwali celebration was organized by the Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, October 26 with a hall full of children and their families.
Librarian Maeleah Carlisle organized the event with the help of Haritha Nagabandi and bought all the supplies needed for the children’s creative activities with the goal of learning about Diwali and its spectacular decorations. After a brief presentation on Diwali, they set up a table at the entrance of the hall that displayed all books from the library on Diwali and other festivals celebrated in different regions and seasons of India and around the world. Yet another table was set up with the portraits of goddesses Lakshmi and Durga that conveyed the message of triumph of good over evil.
Several tables were set up at the back of the hall with all the supplies for the creative activities. Haritha actively involved herself in the community events. Mukund Mulkar, RSS Shakha Pramukh from Newington, Connecticut, said that this year’s Diwali in the New England area is celebrated as a “Seva Diwali” by derationing food items to the community food pantry.
Ankith Nagabandi gave a brief presentation on the meaning and significance of Diwali. This was followed by a short question-and-answer session where children asked several interesting questions about Diwali celebrations. Various activities such as clay lamp decorations with colorful paints, making paper lanterns, and Diwali door hangers were organized in the hall for the children.
In the evening, the Vallabhdham Haveli, Newington, organized a grand Diwali celebration for the community with cultural programs, and bursting of crackers in the temple area.
