Utsav: a time to celebrate and be merry
Worshippers at the East Africa Satsang Swaminarayan Temple, Nairobi perform prayers during the Hindola Utsav 2012. UTSAV is a celebration and a time to make merry and share happiness, and the much awaited for and most happening event, UTSAV 2014, takes place today at the Oshwal Centre Grounds in Nairobi. PHOTO | NATION
What you need to know:
- For entertainment-seekers and music lovers, provision has been made for international acts like the finalists of India’s Got Talent, Avijit and Tinku, DJ Limelight as well as singer and performer, Raghav. All these celebrities are scheduled to appear on one stage.
- This marks the festival of lights – Diwali. Thanksgiving prayers are offered and the festival is marked with celebrations as faithful relive the victory of the revered Lord Rama over the evil and satanic King Ravana.
UTSAV is a celebration and a time to make merry and share happiness, and the much awaited for and most happening event, UTSAV 2014, takes place today at the Oshwal Centre Grounds in Nairobi.
Utsav is more than just a fun fair or a traditional mela; it promises to be an entertainment galore for the whole family.
Besides the usual cultural treats and the authentic Indian and international food stalls, it offers big fun like Rodeo Bull, Bungee Run, and Carousel with Horses, Star Jump and train, amongst others.
For entertainment-seekers and music lovers, provision has been made for international acts like the finalists of India’s Got Talent, Avijit and Tinku, DJ Limelight as well as singer and performer, Raghav.
All these celebrities are scheduled to appear on one stage.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
UTSAV 2014 is brought our way by Duracoat and presented by ORC and East Fm. It offers a not-to-be-missed entertainment and fun package for the kids, young and young at heart. Above all, UTSAV provides a chance to win great prizes.
The fun fair opens at 11 a.m. and the happiness lasts until 10 p.m. The entrance fee is Sh300 for adults and Sh100 for children under eight.
Meanwhile, thousands of little lamps will be lit by believers of the Hindu faith on the eve of the 23rd October this week, to ward off evil and darkness and welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
This marks the festival of lights – Diwali. Thanksgiving prayers are offered and the festival is marked with celebrations as faithful relive the victory of the revered Lord Rama over the evil and satanic King Ravana.
Diwali or Deepawali is undoubtedly the biggest and the brightest of all the Hindu festivals. Since time immemorial, the festival remains true and constant as a celebration of life and adherence to the principals of the Hindu faith. The significance of the rituals, like lighting of diyas (lamps), bursting fire crackers and the tradition of gambling on the night of Diwali, have subtle socio-cultural attributes. Whilst lights illuminate homes and hearts, fire crackers are an expression of submission to the heavens for better health and an indication of joy. Gambling is associated with wealth and prosperity.
Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year to faithful, and a great Mashujaa Day to everyone else.
