Top lawmakers celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at the State House on Tuesday.
BOSTON (WWLP) – Top lawmakers celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at the State House on Tuesday.
Diwali is a 5 day celebration with an origin story that varies depending the region of India it is being celebrated in.
In Northern India, on the most important day of the celebration marks when the Hindu Lord Rama defeated an evil demon king and returned to his homeland after 14 years of exile. In Southern regions, the day marks Lord Krishna’s destruction of the demon Naraka.
During the celebration, people wear their finest clothes, light up the inside and outside of their homes, feast with their families, and participate in regional traditions. Senate President Karen Spilka spoke about the central themes of Diwali and their importance in government. “Knowledge prevails over ignorance and good triumphs over evil,” said Spilka. “And how honoring and respecting each other traditions will only, in the long run, make us much stronger as a state.”
The House Speaker lit the diya–a tradition that signifies the victory of good over evil. He spoke about religious tolerance and accepting neighbors from all walks of life. “It’s the way we all should be trying to live our days, regardless of what religion you practice, where you are practicing it, or how you’re practicing it,” said Speaker Ron Mariano.
The programming at the State House included speakers who told the crowd about Diwali traditions and principles and a feast of holiday delicacies.
This year, the most important day of Diwali falls on October 31.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.