Diwali

Luxembourg; a pint-sized one-of-the wealthiest country of the world whose about 87% population is Roman Catholic; is reportedly also celebrating Hindu festival Diwali.

Washington(USA) : Highlighting the universal message of Diwali of "victory of light over darkness, hope over despair", US President Barack Obama lit a traditional diya to celebrate Diwali with Indian-Americans at a reception at the White House complex.

Panvel: During Diwali, lot of crackers are burst with pictures of Hindu Deities and great national leaders leading to their denigration. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), therefore, gave guidance to 20 sellers of crackers on the issue.

Dombivali: The shopkeepers, however, said that it was their business and if sale was stopped, they would incur loss. They claimed that people went to them for buying such crackers only; therefore, they would not stop sale of those crackers.

Effect of awareness created by HJS : Cracker-sellers stop sale of crackers with pictures of Deities at Savda (Dist. Jalgaon, Maharashtra)

HJS has undertaken a drive called ‘Pollution- free Mumbai’ to prevent pollution taking place due to harmful crackers. This commendable drive received overwhelming response from residents of Mumbai.

Sale of crackers with pictures of Deities and great national heroes stopped by 90% in Raigad district : Effect of HJS campaign

Memorandum submitted to Kalamboli Police Station for prevention of denigration of Deities occurring thro’ crackers by HJS members at Panvel, Maharashtra

Raid by HJS and pro-Hindu organizations : Crackers confiscated from vendors and handed over to Upper District Magistrate at Kolhapur

HJS' Drive against pictures of Deities on crackers continues : Representations submitted by HJS at various places in Maharashtra.

HJS' drive against denigration of Deities taking place through crackers : Representations submitted in Panvel, Roha, Dhule and Chopda in Maharashtra

Bangalore (Karnataka): On the eve of Diwali, HJS members met various Fire Cracker dealers to create awareness and stop the sale of crackers with the pictures of Deities and National Heroes.

For instance, Canada, especially the West Coast, has witnessed the rise of hundreds, if not thousands, of yoga studios, meditation centres, vegetarian restaurants and Ayurvedic health spas, all of which could be said to have roots in Hinduism.

Mumbai: Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) has sent a letter to Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) to the effect that pictures of Deities and national heroes were not there on the crackers.

Earthern diyas lit with desi ghee for Diwali may soon be a forgotten practise as cost-conscious middle class consumers are seen opting for cheaper options for the festival of lights.