This year, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) had the privilege of celebrating Deepawali at multiple venues across the DC Metro area, reaching thousands of both Hindu and non-Hindu community members. We joyfully shared the Dharmic significance of Deepawali, spreading blessings and wishing everyone a very Shubh Deepawali.

The celebrations began with our Hindi class program, where over 100 children, along with their parents, actively participated. We are grateful to our Manish Thouri Ji and his dedicated group of teachers for leading this initiative and providing an incredible opportunity for our community to celebrate this auspicious festival. The children’s performances were full of energy and joy, with one particularly eye-catching act encouraging families to distance themselves from social media and focus on spending quality time together, strengthening family bonds, and fostering positive contributions to society.

Another highlight was an event led by our Youth Campers, where Animesh Shukla Ji inspired our youth to participate in our pooja. The event culminated in a collective pooja, emphasizing the importance of spirituality and community. During this celebration, we also honored Murali Adatrao for his tireless dedication to leading our charity cricket efforts for nearly a decade. Additionally, we recognized Mit and Neel, two of our exceptional youth leaders, for their work in leading VHPA’s student bodies at their respective schools.

In a heartwarming gesture, some of our volunteers organized a Deepawali gathering at their school, introducing our rich culture and heritage to their classmates and fellow compatriots. America is our Karma-bhoomi (land of action) and the Janma-bhoomi (birthplace) of our children. As some of our children marry interracially, it provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate our heritage, truly embodying America’s melting pot identity, while proudly maintaining our Hindu American identity.

One of our volunteers also celebrated Deepawali at her workplace, using VHPA’s educational materials to share the essence of our festival. Her colleagues were amazed by the delicious Hindu cuisine and enthusiastically joined in wishing Shubh Deepawali, much like how people exchange Christmas greetings in December.

Lastly, VHPA was honored to be a proud sponsor and the main decorator for the Montgomery County Deepawali Program. We thank Dr. Suresh Gupta Ji for providing the opportunity to raise awareness about our culture and heritage, as we continue to integrate into the wider community.

This year’s celebrations reflect the continued growth of VHPA’s efforts to bring together both Hindu and non-Hindu communities, sharing the beauty of our traditions, fostering unity, and making meaningful contributions to society. We look forward to more such opportunities to spread the joy and significance of our festivals in the coming years.

Shubh Deepawali to all!