Divali – Festival of Lights – Celebrated in Arcadia at Santa Anita Church

I’ve come to know a rather wonderful and exceptionally unique and benevolent lady over the years. Her name, Rupa Dore. Ask anyone who knows her, and they’ll no doubt agree that Rupa is one of the most unique and giving individuals one may ever come across in life.
Rupa Dore, 75, teaches Yoga at Santa Anita Church in Arcadia. She has always struck me as kind but moreover she teaches me something every time I see her.
This past Saturday, Rupa invited me to celebrate the festival of light, Divali complete with a candle light ceremony, traditional music and dance plus a wonderful pot luck vegetarian meal.
Divali is perhaps the most well-known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the diaspora. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera. It is colloquially known as the “festival of lights”, for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. In urban areas, especially, candles are substituted for diyas; and among the nouveau riche, neon lights are made to substitute for candles. The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country.

Rupa Dore, Arcadia's true jewel whose light shines on all she meets - Photos by Terry Miller

In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama’s homecoming, that is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.
Last Saturday about 50 people attended the celebration. Many of the celebrants were Rupa’s students and other friends.
Not knowing the language I didn’t understand the lyric to many songs but I understood the gentle feeling of celebration and the importance of sharing good food, dance and conversation with those of many different cultures – united for peace.

A gesture of lighting of candles and a moment of silence was powerful last Saturday as were the many dancers.
Clothes were gifted by members of Rupa Yoga. Designer clothes were by Anjali Rathi. There was a terrific display of Rangoli – Indian Festive DrawingsHarshana the henna lady- designed some unique hand paintings…Additionally there was a hard hathayoga demonstration by Mark Tierno.
Divali is the most important festival for the Hindus the victory of the Good over the evil; Of the good/ valiant King Rama over the demon Ravana.
President Obama gave a goodwill message regarding the Divali last week – he had “done his home work well” according to Rupa !
Doctor Parveen Kaur, a great believer in health benefits of yoga, attended the festival as she does every year.

For more information on Yoga and the classes offered: Rupa Dore can be reached via e mail: rupa.dore@gmail.com

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