Aurora honors Diwali, Indian American organizations

Posted November 09, 2021 10:00 pm

Submitted by City of Aurora

Diwali, the globally celebrated Hindu festival of lights, was honored in the City of Lights.

To recognize the November 4 holiday, Mayor Richard Irvin was joined by more than two dozen representatives of Indian American organizations at Aurora City Hall as he issued the official Diwali proclamation and honored the organizations for a significant service project.

"We recognize the historical and religious significance of Diwali and Diwali's message of tolerance, compassion, and the victory of good over evil, which resonates with the American and Aurora spirit," said Mayor Irvin.

The mayor presented Awards of Excellence to more than 40 Indian cultural organizations from Aurora to Chicago, collectively participating in the Sewa Diwali Food Drive that is currently collecting thousands of pounds of food for Aurora food pantries.

"Sewa" is the act of selfless service embedded in Indian culture. "Diwali" is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness.

When combined, Sewa Diwali is an effort to ensure there is light in everybody's life, especially those most in need of food.

The efforts are led by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Aurora (HSS Aurora) organization to celebrate Diwali.

The Indian American community is Aurora's fastest growing population group.

Representatives of Indian American organizations gather outside the Aurora city hall after the presentation of the city's official proclamation for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Courtesy of City of Aurora

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