Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Pics: Praveen, Sany Studio, Kalmady
Udupi, Nov 12: The festival of lights, Deepavali, was marked with great vigour and joy at the premises of Mother of Sorrows Church here on Wednesday November 11, with an inter-faith celebration organized by Souharda Committee, Catholic Sabha and Mother of Sorrows Chuch.
Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemar Math inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Kemar Swamiji said, "No one should hurt anyone's feelings. Let our lives be filled with colours and lights of happiness. The soul is more important than external beauty. Keep your soul pure as light.
"If a person strives for the welfare of the society, he will achieve success in life," he added.
Commenting on secularism and urging everyone to foster harmony and peace, he said, "Where is secularism in the nation? It is an irony that in a democratic country like India, we have to fill in our caste in any application form. Is that needed in a democratic nation? God does not differentiate between His creation.
"There is a need to build a strong nation with good values. Parents should educate their children with good moral values and teach them to lead a spiritual, non-materialistic life," he advised.
Rev Goldin Bangera, CSI Bethania Church, Parpale said, "One should have adequate knowledge about one's own religion before talking about other religions.
"Let us light up other people's lives through education, and live in unity as children of one God."
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese presided over the programme.
Maulana Abdul Rashid of Udyavar Jamia Masjid and Gyani Balraj Singh, a representative of the Sikh community were present as chief guests at the programme.
Prior to the stage programme, a unique Chrismas-tree shaped structure measuring about 12 feet in height and containing 556 earthen lamps was lit up by the chief guests led by Sri Nithyananda Olakkadu, a social activist. Mahesh Sherigar designed the structure.
Other attractions included goodu deepa competiton and exhibition, rangoli, various cultural programmes, earthen lamps, and a spectacular display of fireworks.
A special cultural programme comprising skits and songs was performed by special children of Asha Nilaya.
Parish priest Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas welcomed the gathering. Assistant parish priest Fr Royson Fernandes and others were present.