The Hindu festival Diwali celebrates the return of Bhagwan Shri Ram to his home kingdom of Ayodhya. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is commonly associated with lit diyas (lamps), symbolizing the triumph of good. The Kids’ Diwali Celebration held annually at mandirs across North America aims to share the spiritual significance of Diwali with children in a joyful and memorable way.
This year’s celebration was centered around the theme ‘Sanghe Shaktihi: Strength in Unity.’ The festive event featured engaging exhibitions that explored the themes behind Diwali by teaching children important values from stories of Hinduism. The children participated in the celebration with their families and left with a better understanding of the meaning behind Diwali and how to imbibe courage, unity, and righteousness (dharma) into their own lives. The celebration also featured interactive games, moon bounces, and other fun activities, making the event both educational and enjoyable. Additionally, the Saraswati Pujan honored the Hindu goddess of knowledge, arts, and wisdom.
The annual Kids’ Diwali Celebration is one of many activities carried out under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj that help to foster spirituality in youth and instill cultural values in a fun and engaging manner.