Launch of the fourth annual Sewa Diwali Food Donation Drive in Chicago area

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Across the world, around 1.2 billion Hindu people celebrate Diwali (Deepawali). It typically falls in October or November and lasts for five days.

The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes and public places are adorned with oil lamps, lights and rangoli (colorful decorations). Families come together to exchange gifts and special Diwali sweets and treats made at home. Fireworks light up the night sky, and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Diwali is not only a religious celebration but also a time for fostering unity, happiness and renewal of bonds with loved ones.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) along with 200 plus other Dharmic organizations, individuals, spiritual, Hindu/Buddhist/Sikh/Jain centers, temples, gurudwaras and other linguistic and Indian socio-cultural organizations, who believe in the Sewa Dharma are coming together to commence the fourth annual Sewa Diwali Food Donation Drive, a heartwarming initiative to provide essential food supplies to those in need and local food pantries.

In a remarkable feat last year, all Dharmic organizations donated 23,432 pounds of food to 20 different food pantries across the Chicago area. This year, they're aiming even higher and planning to expand their efforts to ensure even more individuals and families benefit from their generosity.

The Sewa Diwali Food Donation Drive is an example of community service and the spirit of giving that Diwali represents. It is a celebration of selfless service (Sewa), an integral part of Hindu culture, and an embodiment of the festival's true essence. This initiative not only serves the immediate goal of providing much-needed sustenance to those facing food insecurity but also fosters a sense of unity and empathy within the community.

The Sewa Diwali Food Donation Drive is a reminder that the festival of lights is a catalyst for positive change, spreading happiness and hope to all. It is an inspiring testament to the power of community, reminding us that by coming together and sharing our resources, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

For information, see the Sewa Diwali video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdqpJ9GeTR4.