Diwali Fest a chance for Wichitans to experience Hindu ‘festival of light’

Diwali, one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu religion, consists of five continuous days of celebration each fall. Wichitans can experience this “festival of light” locally with the Cultural Association of India’s Diwali Fest on Saturday at Century II.

Prem Bajaj founded the Cultural Association of India in Wichita on Nov. 24, 1984. Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had just been assassinated that October, and Wichita’s Indian community needed an organization to bring them together and to commemorate her life, says Bajaj.

“During that difficult time it was important to bring a group to Wichita,” he says. “At the time, there was nothing of the type.”

Bajaj attends Diwali Fest each year.

“Diwali is to the East what Christmas is to the West,” Bajaj says. “It’s a big celebration for us – of the same importance as Christmas.”

Much like Christmas for Christians, Diwali is filled with days of celebrations, bright lights and lanterns, fireworks, gifts, and time spent with friends and family. The festival is celebrated for five days, but the third day serves as the main day of celebration, dictated by the new moon. Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night before the new moon symbolizing light over darkness, good over evil, and the abundance of an autumn harvest. The Legend of Diwali also celebrates Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom after 14 years in exile.

Diwali usually falls toward the end of October through the first part of November each year. This year Diwali is celebrated from Wednesday through Nov. 15.

Perlekar Tamtam, a professor at Wichita State University, serves as the association’s president. Tamtam says this is the organization’s 17th year to hold a Diwali celebration in Wichita.

Diwali Fest will begin with a meet and greet at 5 p.m. followed by dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The dinner of traditional Indian fare is being catered by Himalayas, a restaurant in Moore, Okla.

Dinner will start with two traditional appetizers, including fried pakora. The main course will feature four curries. While traditionally the curries are vegetarian, this year a chicken option will be available. Naan, an oven-baked flatbread, and rice will also be served with the curries.

Tamtam says the event offers a wonderful opportunity to try delicious, authentic Indian food. After dinner, dance performances will feature 16 local teams. Dancers are allowed four minutes to perform to a Bollywood-style selection.

Following the dance performances, attendees will be invited to stay for chai and conversation. Chai – black tea mixed with milk and a variety of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and ginger – is served after meals in India. Tamtam says it’s a great time for everyone to relax and mingle before heading home. For those who have never experienced Diwali, Tamtam urges them to check it out.

“It’s an important event for us,” Tamtam says.

This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 5:23 PM with the headline "Diwali Fest a chance for Wichitans to experience Hindu ‘festival of light’."