Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Oct 26: "All castes and religions wish for peace. If any of our festivals are to be held or celebrated, we must keep in mind that we belong to the same caste. Then we will be able to celebrate the festival with true love, compassion and unity," said Fr Leo Praveen D'Souza, assistant priest of St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavara.
He was speaking at the Souharda Deepavali celebrations organized by the Souharda Samithi Udyavara near the St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavara.
"When we light a lamp or a candle, we do not see anyone's face or caste. Instead we see only that person and the candle next to that person. Light shines far away from the darkness that lights the lamp closest to the heart. Our life should be the same. We should be the lamp that chases away the darkness of someone's life not only during any festival but every day. Only then any festival will have real meaning,” he said.
People of all religions joined together and celebrated Deepavali by lighting lamps. A goodudeepa was also installed on the occasion. Everyone present including children celebrated the festival by bursting firecrackers. Sweets were also distributed on the occasion.
Pratap Kumar Udyavara, former president of Udyavara Billava Mahajana Sangh, Ronald Manohar Karkada, businessman, Riaz Pally, former vice-president, gram panchayat, Gerald Pereira, coordinator of 20 commissions, Irene Pereira, president, women's organization and others were present on the occasion.
Wilfred D'Souza, president Souharda Samithi, welcomed the gathering. Steven Colaco Udyavara cpmpered the program.