Udupi diocese celebrates Diwali with unique inter-faith meet
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)
Udupi, Nov 7: In a heartening gesture aimed at fostering peace and harmony, Udupi diocese on Wednesday November 6 organized an inter-faith programme at Mother of Sorrows Church here to celebrate Diwali.
Prominent leaders from all three major communities were present on the occasion, including Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math, Maulana Abdul Rashid Rehmania of Jamia Masjid, bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Rev Godwin Bangera of Udupi CSI Church, Fr Denis D'Sa who was the main organizer of the programme, Alphonse D'Souza, William Martis, Boniface D'Souza, Catholic Sabha president Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Mary D'Souza, Budan Pasha, and others.
The church was decorated with a giant rangoli and a large diya (earthen lamp) specially for the occasion.
In his address, bishop Dr Gerald Lobo said that one should strive to overcome ignorance, injustice and wrong in society. "Let us chase away darkness through the light of the diyas adorning this festive occasion. There is light in our houses, let us spark the light in ours hearts too - this is the message of Diwali. After the rainy season, the weather is cool and paddy fields flourish...we can't celebrate Diwali in a better way than this," he said.
"Light is knowledge and symbolizes energy and spirit. Let this light spread knowledge and touch every heart," he added.
"Personal desires create problems. We think of ourselves, but forget about contributing to society. We have to become what we want our state to be. We have to cleanse ourselves from the inside," the bishop said.
"This is a festival that brings people of all walks of life and communities together. It fosters and strengthens relationships. Udupi is Temple City. By celebrating this festival in this unique way we have set an example for all," he added.
Pejawar Swamiji in his address said, "We depend on the sun for light; if not the sun, we depend on the moon; and if not the moon, then diya. But above all, the real light is god. That is what the Upanishads say. God is one, but known by different names and rituals. Faith in god and love are more important. Let us light up the world with the love of god. Our rituals are different and it is important to follow them; but love for god is equally felt by all people."
He recalled that the head of Paryaya Sri Vadiraja Math had told him that no matter how advanced the human race becomes scientifically, prayer and god will always remain the same. "Prayer and god are same for all people, so let us foster brotherhood and enjoy this celebration together. Let us spread the love of god, let us leave behind our selfishness and do good to others," he said. He also congratulated and lauded the organizers for hosting the programme.
Maulana Abdul Rashid wished the Hindu community on Diwali and said, "Every day people light diyas at their work places and in their houses when festivals come. But most of us do not understand the meaning of this light. This is an occasion to convey the message the diya signifies. By burning itself, it lights up the world. In the same way, we have to think of how we can serve others and do good even if we have to sacrifice our own interests."
"The guru (teacher) teaches the shishya (pupil) without discriminating on the basis of caste or religion. What is important is how the teacher shares the light of knowledge that he has in him among his students," he added.
Maulana Rashid referred to Nityanand Olekadu who contributed towards building of a giant10 ft tall diya, and Ganesh Acharya who sculpted the diya, and said that they would have built it as the little diyas were not able to spread the message of unity and knowledge, and hence they hoped that the giant diya would do it.
"There are problems everywhere - some are brought about by nature, and some are man-made. Religious distinction is common in our country, but it is important to have values. We have inculcate good values and move forward with them. Let this Diwali pave the path in this direction," he said.
Fr Fred Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering.
To celebrate the festival, a 'goodu deepa' (lantern) competition for school kids, cultural programmes followed by prize distribution ceremony were held. Prior to the programme, a procession was taken from service bus stand to the church.