Indian Festival of Lights set for Sunday in Aurora

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe city of Aurora and its Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board will celebrate Diwali, India’s festival of lights, on Sunday.

The celebration takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. in the fieldhouse of Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora. Participants should enter through the athletics entrance on the north side of the school.

Diwali, India’s largest annual festival, is celebrated by people throughout India, Nepal and other South Asian countries, regardless of religion, city officials said. The festival, observed in India by lighting up homes with oil lamps and candles, exchanging gifts and lighting firecrackers, celebrates a mythical victory of good over evil, of light over darkness, and for some it marks the start of the new year.

Sunday’s Diwali celebration in Aurora is free and will highlight the arts and culture of India. The event includes a dance troupe showcasing classical, modern and Bollywood-style dancing from across India; live classical Indian singing; a henna artist; modern Indian music by a DJ; and vendors selling food, clothes and jewelry from across India.

A fireworks display, sponsored by the city of Aurora, tops off the celebration at 8:45 p.m. and can be viewed best from the soccer field of Waubonsie Valley High School, next to the football field, city officials said.

“Our Indian American community is the fastest growing ethnic community in Aurora,” said Mayor Tom Weisner. “And so it is very fitting that the City of Lights host Diwali, India’s festival of lights, so that we, together, learn about and celebrate a vibrant culture making valuable contributions to our city.”

The event and parking are free, and everyone is invited. For more information, visit www/facebook.com/iacoab.

Applications are still being accepted for those interested in serving on the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board and are available on the city’s website, www.aurora-il.org, under Boards and Commissions.

Source: The Beacon News