The culture of India and one of its most celebrated holidays, Diwali, were shared with Sycamore Rotarians this week by Dr. Sakshi Sata. Dr. Sata, an optometrist with SPEX Expressions, has studied and practiced the rich customs of her native land even though she has grown up in the United States since coming here as a young child. She pointed out that India is a melting pot of cultures with about 2,000 identifiable ethnic groups and 22 languages spoken. Sata said India is also a land of many festivals and specifically highlighted Diwali, commonly called the Festival of Lights.
Diwali is celebrated worldwide by several different religions but all centered around festival type gatherings with food and family as the centerpiece of events. Diwali is held based on lunar alignments, not a specific date, but always occurs in the October-November time period. Sata said festivals last for five days and represent light over darkness and good over evil. Many of these festivals include wearing traditional ceremonial clothing, fireworks, and also involve special sweet desserts. Dr. Sata brought dessert samples of London Chocolate and Kaju Katri (a candy made with a cashews mixed with milk and sugar). Traditionally, a Diwali celebration is recognized at the White House with the lighting of an oil lamp.