Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) has been celebrating Deepawali with students at the University of Maryland for the past several years. This celebration has become a wonderful opportunity for us to engage with the youth and make them feel at home — even while they are away from their families.

What makes this event truly special is that many of these students have grown up attending our Youth and Family Camps, so organizing and connecting with them feels natural and effortless. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to spend meaningful time with the younger generation, building intergenerational bonds and understanding.

Another important aspect of this celebration is the sense of family and belonging it provides — especially for students on visas who are far from home. It helps break the ice, encourages conversations, and reassures them that a strong emotional and cultural support system is available when needed.

As always, the event was vibrant and jam-packed, with nearly **200 students and over 100 parents in attendance.

The evening began with prayers, followed by a **musical Ramleela performed by middle schoolers, along with classical and semi-classical dance performances. The night concluded with an energetic **Bhangra segment that had everyone on their feet!

Guests enjoyed delicious food, warm fellowship, and later relaxed on the dance floor as the DJ filled the room with festive rhythms.

This year’s celebration was a fantastic collaboration with the Maryland Maryuri team, many of whom are alumni of our VHPA youth camps. They took leadership roles in decorating the ballroom, welcoming guests, assisting with food service, and ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish — all with discipline, enthusiasm, and a welcoming spirit.

Below are a few heartfelt quotes and reflections shared by parents and students, expressing their joy and emotions from the celebration.