Deepavali celebrations in New York

Thursday, 22 November 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York hosted an event on the occasion of Deepavali on Friday, 9 November, at the Mission premises.

The event saw the attendance of members of the Sri Lankan community in the tri-state area, both of Hindu faith and others, as well as high level representatives from other Permanent Missions including India, Singapore and Malaysia. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp.

Swamy Ravi Vaidyanaat, Director of Religious Affairs of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, outlined the significance of Deepavali, and conducted a Hindu religious observance. He explained that Deepavali coincides with the new moon of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, known as the amsvasya. He stated that the five-day celebration begins two days before amsvasya, and extends two days into the lunar month Krtik. Thus, the festival serves as an opportune moment to rejuvenate the spirit for the year ahead. He additionally noted the significance of Deepavali in worshipping the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi and recited Hindu Shlokas about the Goddess and peace, in Sanskrit with English translation.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dr. Rohan Perera, Permanent Representative, stated that with the significant Hindu community in Sri Lanka, the festival is celebrated as an important national holiday. He noted that during this auspicious festival, light serves as a symbol for knowledge, enlightenment, and the dispelling of spiritual darkness. Observing that Deepavali is a unique celebration of remarked that the message and spirit of Deepavali is one that transcends all boundaries of religion, faith, or culture. He went on to add, “As Sri Lankans, we hold the values of unity, peace, and compassion especially dear to our heart. At a time when we are mired in harmful forces that attempt to divide us and cast one another as ‘the other’, this message of inclusion and compassion is one that we must attempt to cultivate. We must generate a culture of peace and understanding among all members of our communities.”

The event concluded with the partaking of a vegetarian dinner, featuring traditional delicacies.