Lighting Freedom and Faith: Interfaith Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas Celebration at Cedar Lane
This past Saturday, the sanctuary of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the DC area glowed with light, music, and devotion as community members gathered for an interfaith celebration of Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, and Kali Puja. Co-hosted by Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) and Cedar Lane UU Church, the event honored the shared spirit of liberation, transformation, and community that shines through each of these festivals.
The program, titled “A Celebration of Community & Liberation,” brought together a rich lineup of reflections, performances, and rituals that bridged Hindu, Sikh, and interfaith traditions.
Opening Light and Liberation
Hosts Joe Thomas and Karan Raina welcomed attendees with reflections on community and freedom, grounding the evening in the shared values of faith and justice. Their words set the tone for a gathering that celebrated the many ways light manifests — as knowledge, courage, and solidarity in the face of oppression.
Dance, Devotion, and Reflection
The Kalanidhi Dance Company’s classical performance by Samhitha Gurram and Siri Tanjore brought the Ramayana to life through Ramayana Shabdamu (Mohana ragam, Adi talam), reminding the audience of the eternal rhythm of good triumphing over evil.
Neha Narayan’s Diwali reflection illuminated how the festival’s light is both symbolic and practical — a reminder to confront the darkness of inequality and injustice with compassion and courage.
Freedom Remembered: Bandi Chhor Divas
Youth from Sikh2Sikh offered a deeply moving reflection on Bandi Chhor Divas, the Sikh festival commemorating Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s release from imprisonment along with 52 political prisoners. Jasraj Singh and Hartej Singh reflected on the enduring message of liberation, followed by a soulful Shabad Kirtan performed by Jasmine Kaur, Vikram Singh, and a youth ensemble — filling the hall with an atmosphere of faith and resolve.
Transformation and Courage: Kali Puja Reflection
In a powerful moment, Mimi Majumdar shared reflections on Kali Puja, invoking the goddess Kali as an embodiment of transformation, fierce compassion, and the courage to confront injustice. Her words reminded listeners that even destruction can be a form of creation — a sacred act of renewal and liberation.
Music, Devotion, and Shared Light
Musicians Imani González and Ram Viswanathan brought the evening to an emotional crescendo with a musical set that blended devotion and improvisation. As the lights dimmed, Abhi Janamanchi led a diya lighting and devotional piece, inviting everyone to hold the flame of justice, peace, and freedom within their hearts.
Community Tables and Togetherness
Throughout the evening, attendees explored tables hosted by Blue Desi, Green Dharma Dham, and BOL, each showcasing creative, spiritual, and social justice work rooted in South Asian and interfaith values.
As the formal program concluded, the celebration continued with food, conversation, and laughter — a true community meal that embodied the meaning of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas alike. The night ended under the glow of fireworks, symbolizing collective hope and renewal.
At a time when our world feels divided by fear and power, this interfaith Diwali celebration was a luminous reminder that the light of freedom burns brightest when shared.
Event hosted by:
Hindus for Human Rights and Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Organizations Tabling: Blue Desi · Green Dharma Dham · BOL