In this gloomy time, there can never be too many sources of light. So it’s apt that on Diwali day (November 14th) this year, there are at least two new devotional songs set to be released.
Christians and Hindus:Rekindling Positivity and Hope during the Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond.
"The WCC recalls with gratitude the partnership we have enjoyed with our Hindu partners in the pursuit of justice and peace."
"When we turn away from the sun, we face our shadow. When we turn away from God, our original Source, we see ourselves as separate, and fear arises."
The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has sent a Diwali message for Hindus all over the world entitled as Christians and Hindus: In Defense of the Vulnerable of Society.
As thousands gathered for the Diwali fireworks at Bhaktivedanta Manor, the temple leaders and a host of community and political leaders, took to the stage to launch the Nainika Tikoo Memorial Trust’s allergy awareness campaign for places of worship.
ISKCON Pakistan celebrated Diwali with a 2-day "ISKCON Diwali Gala Festival" in Karachi. Among many dignitaries, he event was attended by Mohammad Zubair Umar Governor of Sindh. During the 2-day festivities Bhagavad-gitas, chanting beads and delicious feast was distributed to the over 2,000 people in attendance.
US congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's 2017 Diwali greeting.
Every year, prominent people take part in ISKCON Hungary’s annual Divali dinner. This year, as usual, government officials, public personalities, sponsors, decision-makers, artists, representatives of other religions, university professors, scientists and others from the fields of politics and media all enjoyed the Hungarian devotees’ hospitality. The main theme of the event was the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of ISKCON.
One thousand Russian devotees gathered to celebrate Diwali in spectacular style in Moscow on Saturday October 29th. The afternoon was a cultural event to commemorate welcoming Lord Rama and his wife Sita Devi back to their capital Ayodhya. Hanuman, played by Jagat-Pati Das, was a particular crowd favorite. In an incredibly realistic costume, he jumped into the crowd, involving the audience. He also invited all the children onto the stage to participate in fun games with him.
Cardinal Tauran writes “As Christians and Hindus, may we join all people of good will in supporting marriage and family life, and inspiring families to be schools of hope."
Dipavali greetings from Sacinandana Swami. (Video by Filip Cargonja)
Srutidharma das was invited to the Diwali function at Number 10 Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May MP. Along with the Prime Minister and other dignitaries such as the Indian High Commissioner Mr Dinesh Patnail, Srutidharma das lit the ceremonial lamp before being invited to say a few words and lead the Diwali prayers.
The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the joyous Hindu festival of Diwali with a Forever stamp. The Oct 5, first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony will take place at the Consulate General of India, New York.
Monday 16 November the Hindu Forum Europe (HFE) celebrated Diwali for the first time in the EU Parliament, Brussels. Host MEP, Neena Gill congratulated Hindus with this big success. ISKCON devotees from Belgium, Spain, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland were among the more than 100 attendees of this historical event.
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, drafted a message to Hindu communities world-wide on the occasion of Diwali, or Deepavali. Cardinal Tauran led the Catholic delegation to the first Hindu-Catholic Dialogue in the United States. Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON's Minister of Communications represented ISKCON at that historic event.
State houses, traditionally meeting places of United States' governors, legislators and decision makers, rarely host gatherings related to religious expression or discourse. However, for the third year in a row the Massachusetts State House, amidst the majesty of its Hall of Flags & Grand Staircase, hosted a Diwali opening ceremony.
Boston, october 23, 2014.
Devotees headed by ISKCON Communications director for Italy Parabhakti Das organized and participated in the Diwali celebrations at Rome’s City Hall on October 23rd, with positive results. “If Brussels is the diplomatic capital of Europe, Rome is its capital from the religious and cultural point of view,” Parabhakti says. “So it is important that our movement is well represented and clearly visible in this world-famous city.”
Communications secretary for the temple, Radha Mohan Das, said: "The day was a really big success, everyone had a lot of fun. There was a great atmosphere, particularly in the lead up to the fireworks." The day also saw two drama perfomances, which told parts of the story behind Diwali. Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, which is told in the ancient Indian text, Ramayana.
"We, Christians and Hindus, may we join together with followers of other religions to foster a culture of inclusion for a just and peaceful society."
"We are speaking of a graceful exchange of lamps--one lit by us in welcoming the Divine, and the other lit by the Divine lovingly revealing himself to us."
Every year, the British Prime Minister hosts a special Diwali event in his official residence of 10 Downing Street. This year the event fell on Wednesday 6th November and it carried with it an extra special charm: As part of the proceedings, children from the Krishna Avanti and Avanti Schools sang a number of traditional songs glorifying Lord Rama.
Message from UK Prime Minister David Cameron to mark Diwali on November 1st, 2013.
First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks at a Diwali celebration at the White House. November 5, 2013.
US lawmakers celebrated, for the first time, Diwali on Capitol Hill after the US Congress passed resolutions honouring the Indian festival and celebrating the strong relationship between US and India.
A short video by the National Geographic.
When I was growing up in the 1980s, every autumn Diwali waged a valiant but losing battle against Halloween. If my sister and I were caught in the crosshairs of the holiday war, our immigrant parents were its real casualties.
2012 Diwali message by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.
15,000 people will come together at Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple near Watford to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights on Sunday 23 October.
After what is promised to be a spectacular Diwali firework display on Sunday 18th October at Bhaktivedanta Manor near London, numerous community leaders will be releasing 1000 lanterns into the sky in a bid for world peace. On the Sunday, 15,000 people are expected to attend the Diwali celebrations at the Temple. Other highlights of the festival include colourful dances, plays and free vegetarian meals for everyone. The day will culminate at 7.15pm, in one of the most spectacular Diwali firework displays in the Greater London area. Everyone is welcome.
Washington, D.C. – When the first large wave of Indian immigrants began to arrive to America more than forty years ago, few would have dreamed that they would one day see a Hindu holiday observed within the “National House of Worship.” On October 28, 2008 this dream indeed became reality when Washington National Cathedral hosted, for the first time in its history, an event in celebration of Diwali.
The smells of paneer pakora and stuffed okra filled the Governor's Mansion on Friday night as Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. invited many from Utah's Indian community to celebrate Diwali with himself and his family.
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of good over evil in people, and is recognized by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists worldwide.
A colourful display of light marked the festival of Diwali at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Aldenham this weekend. Thousands gathered to pray and celebrate at the Hare Krishna temple, in Hilfield Lane on Sunday.
15,000 people will come together at Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple near Watford to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights on Sunday 2nd November. Highlights of the festival include colourful dances, plays, bullock cart rides and free vegetarian meals for everyone.
For the holy month of Damodara, devotees in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley are going door to door to spread the glories of their Lord.
Also known as Kartik and falling between the western months of October/November, the month of Damodar celebrates Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda, and is often observed by offering lamps or candles.
United States Congress adopted resolutions requesting the President to declare the Holy Hindu Festival ‘Deepavali’, or festival of lights, to give due and national recognition.