HindiUSA Saint Louis Celebrates Diwali and Navratri Festivities

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
ST. LOUIS, MO- The students and staff of HindiUSA Saint Louis, a non-profit Hindi language school dedicated to promoting the Hindi language and Indian culture, came together to celebrate the Diwali and Navratri festivals on Saturday, November 3, 2023. The event took place at the Hindu Temple of Saint Louis’s Cultural and Educational Center building and was a grand affair, featuring a wide array of cultural performances, a mesmerizing fireworks display, delectable food and shopping stalls, exciting raffle prizes, and an overall festive ambiance.

Diwali, often referred to as the festival of lights, holds profound significance in Hindu culture as it commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights,’ is another significant Hindu festival that pays tribute to the diverse manifestations of the goddess Durga, symbolizing power, wisdom, and compassion.

The festivities commenced with a heartfelt prayer to Goddess Durga, a traditional ritual involving the offering of light and prayers, led by the school’s founder and coordinators, Mr. Mayank Jain and Dr. Anshu Jain. They warmly welcomed the guests and expressed their heartfelt gratitude for their support and participation in the event. A special guest, Linda, the president of the African Chamber of Commerce, graced the occasion with her presence. Hailing from Nigeria, Linda and her children were captivated by the immersive Indian cultural experience. She commended the students and staff of HindiUSA Saint Louis for their remarkable efforts and accomplishments, expressing deep admiration and appreciation for Indian culture and traditions.

The highlight of the event was the vibrant dandiya dance, a traditional folk dance originating from Gujarat, which involves rhythmic movements and the use of colorful sticks. The students of HindiUSA Saint Louis performed this dance with infectious enthusiasm and grace, adorned in dazzling costumes and accessories. A spectacular fireworks display illuminated the night sky with a dazzling array of colors, symbolizing the joy and optimism associated with the festival, as well as the eternal victory of good over evil. The event also featured an exciting raffle draw, where students had the chance to win captivating fountain fireworks and participate in a rangoli competition. The suspense and excitement of the raffle draw added an extra layer of enjoyment to the event as students eagerly anticipated the announcement of the winners.

The event was a resounding success, serving as a vibrant showcase of India’s rich and diverse culture, while also spotlighting the remarkable talents and unwavering dedication of the students and staff of HindiUSA Saint Louis. It fostered a profound sense of community and belonging among all participants, who shared in the joy and gratitude of the festival.

HindiUSA Saint Louis stands as the largest non-profit Hindi language school serving nine Midwest states in the USA, with a dedicated mission to preserve and promote the Hindi language and culture among the younger generation. The school offers classes tailored to various levels of proficiency, from beginners to advanced learners, in addition to organizing cultural activities and events throughout the year. For more information, please visit their website at www.HindiUSA.Org/STL.