By Khalida Sarwari
The triumph of good over evil is a theme explored in many a John Wayne and Clint Eastwood film. It is also the theme of Diwali, one of India’s major festivals signifying the triumph of light over darkness, justice over injustice, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Saratogans will have an opportunity to commemorate this important Hindu festival at the second annual Diwali Mela on Nov. 10.
Similar to last year’s program, the 2013 Diwali event promises an evening of entertainment, food, music and dancing. The event, sponsored by the Saratoga Hindu Temple and Community Center, is also a chance for the community to come together “to share the joy of the festival,” according to organizer Rishi Kumar.
“Last year we encouraged every Indian-American family to bring a non-Indian family with them. This year we’re encouraging people to do the same.”
Popularly known as the “festival of lights,” Diwali is celebrated by Hindus around the world. The holiday, which is officially on Nov. 3, is similar to Christmas, said Kumar. The day after Diwali marks the beginning of the new year for the business community in India, he said.
This is the second year that the Diwali Mela (Sanskrit for “gathering” or a “fair”) is being hosted in Saratoga. The 2012 event, which was more of a community potluck held at the Saratoga Community Center, drew around 250 people, Kumar said. Committee chair Kalpana Jaswa hatched the idea for the event in 2010. Organizers are expecting about 300 attendees this year, including state Sen. Jim Beall, who has been invited.
“We’re trying to bring together everyone from Saratoga to come and enjoy one of the finest festivals from India,” Kumar said.
The evening will begin with about eight singing and dancing acts in the first hour, followed by a musical performance of Bollywood classics by Rama and Minnie Shukla, a Saratoga-based husband and wife duo. They’ll be followed by Vijay and Jayshree Ulal, another husband and wife team. Jayshree is the sister of the late city council member Susie Nagpal.
The evening will culminate with a DJ set where everybody will be encouraged to get up and dance, “burning the Diwali calories away,” Kumar said.
The menu for the night includes gourmet food and desserts catered by The Mynt Indian Restaurant in San Jose. Nonalcoholic beverages will also be available.
People are encouraged to come dressed in their finest Indian outfits. Traditionally, those who celebrate the holiday wear their newest and best clothes. Women wear saris and churidars and men wear suits.
The event is open to the Saratoga community as well as those in neighboring cities. It will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, 18870 Allendale Ave., Saratoga.
Tickets are $15 through Oct. 31 and $20 after. They can be purchased on the Saratoga Hindu Temple and Community Center website at saratogatemple.org or at the door.
Organizers hope community comes together at the Diwali Mela festival
