The Indian American Association of Sharon welcomed and embraced cultural diversity while celebrating Diwali, on 18th Oct at Mansfield High School. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is one of the largest holidays that is jointly observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains, as a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. For Indian American Association of Sharon (IAAS), it becomes very important to keep the meaning and practice of Diwali alive, in a land, miles away from India.
30 years ago, the festival of Diwali manifested in Sharon when a few families celebrated together. It slowly grew into a community event that included a small cultural program and a DJ. Over the years, IAAS has strengthened further. This year was no different. Under the remarkable leadership of Amrit Chopra and Nandita Singh as Co-Presidents for IAAS, kids and families put together a grand performance. Kids dressed in their vibrant costumes, performed to Bollywood numbers, folk dances and classical songs. The auditorium transformed into a fun and an entertaining night for the growing IAAS community. As Reema Chandra said “The evening of Diwali celebration put together by the IAAS team radiated harmony throughout the Sharon Indian community and the impeccable execution of the program was a testament to the true labor of love”. Like many kids, each year, 6-yr old Saachi Badgi looks forward to performing on stage with her friends. For Iman Nandi, this year was his last Diwali with his hometown friends. Once he ventures off to college, his Diwali will also relocate.
It was an evening of new learnings for many friends who experienced firsthand the vibrant colors by way of costumes, food and the Indian culture, about each other’s faith, and reflect on all of the positives within our lives -- our loving friends and family, our good health, and prosperity -- and realize what is truly important. In the end, IAAS had a Diwali celebration that was electrifying, colorful, and signified a unity in joy.