Murrieta marked November with a Grand celebration of Diwali (also known as Dipavali) festival by the residents of Temecula and Murrieta who arrived from India. The celebration took place on November 1st at the Murrieta City Hall between the hours of 6 to 10 PM. The actual day of Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the festival’s third day, which this year was on Thursday, October 23rd. The festival usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, although this is decided upon by the Hindu lunar calendar.
Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. While each faith has its own reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told isthe legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern Indiafrom exile after defeating the demon king Ravanna.
This Diwali festival was organized by Indian Cultural Society of Temecula Valley. Jeff Stone, Riverside County supervisor was the chief guest of the festival.
The hall was decorated with Indian cultural themes that staged the mood. The program began with American National Anthem sung beautifully by the children followed by India’s National Anthem which was song by the parents.
The festival was highlighted with dances by the local Indian children as wells parents alike. Beautiful colorful Indian dresses sparkled the evening and dazzled the audience with their performances. One performance after another followed that just filled the entire hall with cheers, whistles and applauds. The audience was just kept on their toes and everyone just enveloped in joy and happiness. Time just stood still and the joy experienced by the performers spilled over to the audience.
The grand festival then followed by grand Indian food. The mouth-watering delicious recipes just delighted everyone and truly ended the festival on a very high note or rather high taste. Everyone left with lots of dazzling memories, delight and happiness.