Mission Statement

To connect people from the South Puget Sound Area with a common interest in India. Facilitate cultural, sports, health, spiritual, and educational events and services for this unique community and provide opportunities for social integration, cultural awareness & mutual understanding between Indo-American and local American communities

Diwali Invitation

Diwali

Diwali, also called Deepavali or Divali, is a major Hindu festival that is very significant in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional dīpa (earthen lamp, as illustrated). Fireworks are associated with the festival.

Diwali is a colloquial name used in North India, while the festival is formally called Deepavali(= theepam + oli ), and is called in South India as such.

Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days at the end of Hindu month of Ashwayuja. It usually occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. Diwali comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra. Hindus and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Hindus it is one of the most important festivals, and beginning of the year in some Hindu calendars. Diwali is celebrated because Lord Rama came back to his kingdom, Ayodhaya after 14 years of exile. Out of happiness people of Ayodhaya lit lamps and decorated the whole kingdom. In India, Diwali is now considered to be more of a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.

Other ISSA Activities...

Coffee meet - Cricket - Music & Arts classes - Light music group - Quarterly magazine - Picnics - Hiking trips, Ski trips

(non-ISSA): - Satsang (Bansi Butta: 360-455-1607)