Diwali Celebrations Will Light Up North Texas

Diwali will spread light and color this month across not only North Texas but the world. The most widely celebrated of the major Hindu holidays, Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is on Oct. 19 but is celebrated throughout October with huge cultural programs that often include Bollywood dancing, extensive food buffets, traditional performances and fireworks.As with most things in Hinduism, Diwali is open to many interpretations and meanings. The most common is that Diwali is the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Hindus and others who celebrate the holiday light small lamps (known as diyas) and set off fireworks to ward off darkness. In addition, people often wear new, colorful clothes and partake in lavish feasts.Many area groups are celebrating the holiday. Coming up first is Radha Krisha Temple's Diwali Festival from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Drive in Parker. Tickets are $50 for children and $100 for adults. Find more at radhakrishnatemple.net. The DFW Sindhi Association's 27th annual Diwali Ball will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Gemstone Banquet Halls, 13111 N. Central Expressway in Dallas. For tickets, visit facebook.com/events/307048486420772.The BAPS Mandir Festival of Lights will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21. The event will include exhibits, a movie screening, kids activities and lots of food. The temple is at 4601 N. State Highway 161 in Irving. Register at bit.ly/2yA8Uho.One of the area's largest celebrations is the DFW Indian Cultural Society's 12th annual Diwali Mela from 4 p.m. to midnight Nov. 4 at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park. Find details at dfwdiwalimela.com.Islamic Art  Continue reading...