Diwali Community Celebration Sparkles In West Orange (PHOTOS)

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The West Orange Diwali 2021 celebration lit up the sky at The Rock on Nov. 1 as the community gathered to honor the tradition that began on Nov. 4 and ran through Nov 9.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Dipavali, originates from the Sanskrit word dipavali meaning “row or series of lights.”

The “Festival of Lights,” as Diwali is also known, is considered one of the most significant events on the Indian Calendar. Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, symbolized by the lighting of lamps in homes, temples, shops, and buildings around the world as it ushers in the Indian New Year.

The roots of Diwali can be found in Indian mythology in the tale of “Ramayan,” detailing the return of the Hindu God Rama to his kingdom with his wife, Sita, and brother Lackhman following a long exile. Clay lamps were lit to guide them back home.

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, is celebrated in Hindu households during the festival. Diwali also coincides with the Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas, a religious holiday that commemorates the release of Sikh Guru Hargobind Ji from the Gwalior Fort in India in the 17th century, representing freedom.

The festival typically lasts for four to five days and coincides with the new moon on the Hindu lunisolar calendar, called Amavasya, or “darkest night,” in Hindu.

Each day of the Festival has its own name and activities.

• Day 1. Dhanteras: Rituals called “poojas” are held, placing tea lights around homes and purchasing kitchen utensils to bring good fortune.
• Day 2. Narak Chaturdashi: Sweets are exchanged families often decorate the floors of their homes with “rangolis,” patterns created from colored powder, rice, and flowers.
• Day 3. Lakshmi Puja: The goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as families pray and feast, followed by fireworks.
• Day 4. Govardhan Puja: This day is associated with Lord Krishna and the Gujarati New Year. Food offerings are prepared for Puja.
• Day 5. Bhaiya Dooj: The last day of Diwali celebrates siblings as brothers visit their sisters with gifts, and sisters have special rituals and sweets for their brothers.

The event was organized by residents Sage Gajawarala and Sheelpa Patel. The Rock’s Food and Beverage Manager Alap Vora hosted the free event for the community. Colorful fabrics, candles, and lights decorated the pavilion as the setting sun glowed over the lake.

The ceremony spoke of the origins of Diwali and opened with a traditional prayer, the Ganesh Bhajan, and a description of the Five Days of Diwali by Reyainsh Shetty. Saayani Patel demonstrated a Bollywood Dance as Maithili Patel interpreted Lord Krishna’s Story with a Kathak Dance.

West Orange Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Cascone was on hand to support the event along with BOE President Terry Trigg-Scales, board member Melinda Huerta, and Councilman Bill Rutherford. West Orange High School Mountaineer Mentors and members of the Asian Culture Club assisted organizers.

The ceremony concluded with sparklers lighting up the sky – and the hearts of the community.

See more photos from the Diwali celebration HERE.

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