Jackson Association of Indians hosts annual Diwali celebration
The Jackson Association of Indians hosted their annual Diwali celebration at Ivey Hall on October 24th, 2024. The event commemorated the Hindu holiday that is known as “the festival of light” and is celebrated across much of Asia by many different cultures, religions, and countries. The holiday is celebrated in the autumn months of the year for around five days, but the specific dates change according to the Indian lunar calendar each year.
The Jackson Association of Indian’s annual celebration of the lively holiday included pooja (a prayer ceremony), appetizers and a meal of Indian cuisine, games, and a talent show. The night ended with a lively garba, which is an open dance floor hour of traditional Indian dancing for everyone to partake in.
Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness, the prevailing of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a holiday observed by the lighting of diyas, which are oil-based lamps. The lighting of diyas are the reason why Diwali is called “the festival of light.” Diwali traditions also include the decorating of floors with colorful rangoli patterns and the hanging of vibrant jhalar banners on walls and in doorways. Food is also a staple of Diwali observance, with mithai, a sweet Indian food made of a wide array of ingredients, being one of the most well-known and loved foods associated with the holiday.
Representatives of the Jackson Association of Indians conveyed their desire to share their culture and the Diwali holiday with others in Jackson. They also expressed that the event is always family-friendly and anyone who is interested in learning more about Diwali and Indian culture is welcome to join the annual celebration.
The Jackson Association of Indians is cultural group in Jackson, Tennessee that seeks to uphold the roots and tradition of Indian culture. The organization is a fund of the Community Foundation of West Tennessee. To learn more about the Jackson Association of Indians, visit their website at https://www.jacksonassociationofindians.org/.
