Diwali celebrated with cultural party and worship in Springfield

Tiffani Jackson, State Journal-Register
·2 min read
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Springfield area Hindus will celebrate the victory of light over darkness this weekend.

Diwali, a holiday known as the "festival of lights," will be celebrated with a cultural party from 6-10 p.m. Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, and Sunday with traditional worship from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Hindu Temple of Greater Springfield, 1001 W Walnut St., Chatham.

More than 1 billion Hindus worldwide celebrate Diwali, the most prominent holiday in India.

The major festival day revolves around a puja or pooja (ceremonial worship) in honor of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune, which is associated with the celebration for many people.

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After a year of making a comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic, Anuradha Guntupalli, vice president of the Hindu Temple of Greater Springfield said she looks forward to the hope of the holiday most.

“ In reality, we’ve seen the bad times as several lives were lost due to COVID and even the little ones didn't have interaction in their schools. Hopefully, this Diwali marks the end of that and brings a new beginning and hope to all.”

Guntupalli said the hope of Diwali stems from a victory by the Hindu god Lord Krishna.

“On that day the legend is that Lord Krishna saved his entire village, cattle, and crops by lifting a mountain where the people were and rescuing them from the fury of the rain god. We celebrate the goodness in one’s heart and the fact that the village is protected,” she said.

Diwali is traditionally celebrated by lighting ‘"diyas," or clay lamps with oil at sunset. “It signifies bringing out the best in you by taking out negative thoughts and putting the light in them,” Guntupalli said.

Hymns, prayer, and sweets are brought to the temple to celebrate. Guntupalli also said the priest does different names by which the gods are called and prays for the betterment of this community and world.

The India Association of Greater Springfield will host the Saturday event. Tickets are $50 and available at Masala Mart or India Cuisine restaurant.

More than 350 people are expected to take part in the weekend celebrations.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Diwali celebrated with cultural party and worship in Springfield