Celebrating The Hindu Festival Of Lights At Vishnu Mandir

Post By Bharati Kemraj

The Vishnu Mandir Hindu Temple celebrates Deepavali, also known as Diwali, the festival of lights, with bright colors along with religious prayers and singing. The festival is marked by the lighting of traditional earthen diyas (candles) and families decorate their houses with colorful artworks.

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Diyas light on the nights celebrating Diwali

Diwali is a five-day festival of lights that is celebrated by millions of Hindus all around the world. During this auspicious time, families and friends share sweets, give gifts and there is also a strong belief in giving food and goods to those in need. It is also traditional for homes to be cleaned and new clothes to be worn at the time of the festival.

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Opening Prayers by Pandit Vishnu, Pandit Vyaas and Pandit Krishna Sukul

While there are many stories associated with the day, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom from exile after defeating the demon king Ravan. Also the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Members of Temple including the Vishnu Mandir Youth Group and Students of the Bharati Dance Academy all took part in puja, prayers and the Annual Diwali Cultural Show. The activities and celebration took part in the Bronx and in the Mount Vernon area.

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Bharati Dance Academy and Members performing the opening Aarti

Over 200 attendees enjoyed an evening of culture as the program for the show included songs, bollywood performances, classical bharatanatyam dance, youth play telling the story of the Samudra Manthan or Churning of the Ocean of Milk which is one of the best known episodes in the Hindu mythology and tassa by the talented Keep Wukkin Sounds`.

Play by Vishnu Mandir Youth Group: Churning of the Ocean of Milk

Play by Vishnu Mandir Youth Group: Churning of the Ocean of Milk

Each year the Vishnu Mandir and its Members celebrate the festival with prayer service followed by readings from the sacred scriptures and  a cultural show.

As with any of the events at the mandir, any and all Bronxites are always welcome to attend and share in the festivities.

Tassa by Keep Wukkin Sounds`

Tassa by Keep Wukkin Sounds`

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