Bal Vihar does a yeoman’s service to mark Diwali

Bal Vihar of St Louis celebrated Diwali on November 10 at Mahatma Gandhi Center with pomp in the presence of record 700 attendees.

 

The non-profit organization, which has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community since 1992, blazed a new trail in marking the festival of lights: its selfless volunteers raised funds for charitable institutions in the US and India by preparing clay ‘diyas’ (lamp holder) in a novel, useful project.

 

The event included prayers at the Hindu Temple of St. Louis, dazzling fireworks and distribution of boxed dinner.

 

Bal Vihar, also called Center for Indian Cultural Education, primarily focusses on providing Indian cultural education to students age 5-18, its application and integration with the global multicultural and multifaceted society.

 

Over the past 20 years, it has helped groom a breed of multi-cultural global leaders of next generation that have been shaped by the best of the cultures from east and west.

 

 

These youngsters understand the need and value of the cultural values that have been instilled in them through the rigorous program.

Students are also taught discipline, tolerance and devotion in their daily routine.

 

The ultimate goal is to throw the light of cultural knowledge on every child, to make every child an outstanding citizen and to spread the song of peace and harmony around the world.

 

Over the years the message and spirit of Diwali has spread across the globe, and the United States is no longer the place unaware of this mega festival.

 

This year for the first time, the US congress celebrated its first Diwali at the Capitol Hill. Like every year, President Obama released a statement wishing the community on this occasion.