EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared on Milton Today Oct. 7.
The Milton Hindu community will be lighting up Milton Mall to mark Diwali, one of the faith's core festivals.
For the first time, Festive India – as this particular Diwali celebration is called – is being held at the 55 Ontario St. S. shopping centre. Activities for both young and old will ensure the celebration will be hands-on as well.
Ten local organizations are collaborating to bring the festivities to the mall on Oct. 19. All are welcome to attend this exhibition of how the Hindu community observes the occasion.
Meenaksji Bhaga of Chinmaya Mission Halton says the goal of the spectacle is “bringing the community together with gaiety, colour and friendship with people from every culture.”
Youth workshops will give children something to do, among them a chance to make a diya – a type of oil lamp ubiquitous in Diwali celebrations. Exhibits across the mall will be a feast for the eyes of adults.
But the Hindu tradition of Seva – volunteering one’s time – is a major theme at Festive India. Organizers are dedicating their time and energy to create the celebratory mood. They will also be collecting non-perishable food donations for the local charity Food for Life.
Those items can be dropped off at any of the three Milton Public Library branches. The Main branch, in particular, will also have a display highlighting Hindu culture.
“Alone we can make a difference, but together, we can create a movement,” said Hemant Bhai, secretary and treasurer of the Halton Gujarati Seniors Samaj. “We are proud to join hands with Festive India -- a proud Hindu community of Milton -- to amplify our impact, share our resources, and collectively drive positive changes towards a common goal.”
Diwali's origins come from the Hindu epic, The Ramayana. In the story, Lord Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, rescues his wife Sita from the clutches of the multi-headed demon-king Ravana. Rama's victory over him is why Diwali is sometimes called the celebration of the triumph of good over evil.
Food will be collected at the library branches throughout October.
Festive India will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event workshops for the kids will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Details can be found on FestiveIndiaMilton.com.