Staff report
ASHLAND — The most popular and best-known festival in the Hindu religion will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Paramount Arts Center.
Diwali, called the Festival of Lights, continues for five days, usually falling between October and November, and celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowlege over ignorance.
The event at the Paramount will be sponsored by the Tri-State India Association and will include performances by children, dances by the Nalanda School of Dance in Columbus, and a show by comedian Dan Nainan, who can be seen on YouTube.com.
Diwali is comparable to Christmas in the United States in terms of its popularity and the extend to which participants celebrate. Homes are decorated by lighting oil lamps; fireworks are lighted and friends and family exchange gifts and sweets. Also much like Christmas, most celebrants are in a generous mood and give to charities.
Yet Diwali is a religious holiday for Hindus, celebrating the homecoming of King Rama. Hindu religion follows Ramayana, which is like the Bible to Christians. According Ramayana, Diwali commemorates the return of Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and eldest son of Kng Dasharath of Ayodhya, from his 14-year exile with sta and Lakshman after killing the Ravana, a demon king. The poeple of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with earthen diya (oil lamps) and fireworks to celebration of the return of their king. People pray to Two Goddesses — Lakshmi and Kali. People start the new business year at diwali and they pray to godess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. People in the Bengal and Orissa regions pray to goddess Kali.
Diwali with comedian Dan Nainan will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Paramount Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, call the PAC box office at (606) 324-3175.
