Diwali to be celebrated for first time at Monas<\/p>\n
The Indian community in Jakarta will celebrate Diwali, the
\nFestival of Lights, at the National Monument (Monas) Park in
\nCentral Jakarta on Saturday starting from 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Diwali -- derived from Sanskrit word deepavali, \"deepa\"
\nmeaning \"light\" and \"avali\" meaning \"rows\" -- is one of the most
\ncelebrated festivals not only in India but also in other
\ncountries, including Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.<\/p>\n
The event, celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu month of
\nAshwin, is meant to lead mankind to truth and illumination.<\/p>\n
Organizer Pranab Sengupta said on Friday that the festival,
\nthe first ever to be staged here, would introduce the festival to
\nthe public.<\/p>\n
\"All Jakartans are very welcome to attend this event. So far,
\nDiwali has only been known by Indians in the city. By holding the
\nevent, we want the public to learn about our culture,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Performances of classical Indian songs and dances, and modern
\nsongs from Bollywood movies will highlight the celebration. It
\nwill climax with fireworks.<\/p>\n
Sengupta said the reason for performing scenes from Bollywood
\nfilms was because they were popular among Indonesians.<\/p>\n
Diwali, which also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year,
\nalso commemorates the homecoming of Rama, his wife Sita, his
\nbrother Laxmana and loyal aide Hanuman from 14 years in exile,
\nand the killing of king demon Ravana, as depicted in the Ramayana
\nepic.<\/p>\n
The festival is also held to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of
\nwealth and prosperity. -- JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/diwali-to-be-celebrated-for-first-time-at-monas-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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