Community Leaders Said – “Spread Diwali’s Light Not Only in Homes, But Also in Hearts”
Surat. Heartfelt Diwali and New Year greetings were extended to all Indians, and to the citizens of Gujarat and Surat from the Telugu Padmashali community. Community leaders conveyed the message that Gujarat should progress with the rapid speed of the bullet train, and that every home should be filled with happiness, prosperity, and the presence of Mother Lakshmi.
On this occasion, principal members of the community extended their best wishes to everyone.
A leader of the Telugu community shared a profound thought in his Diwali message. He said that the light of Diwali should be spread not only in the home, but also in the heart. He emphasized offering wishes that make someone happy, and appealed for sharing joys in such a way that relationships become even deeper.
Finally, he said, “The real Diwali is one where not only lamps shine, but relationships also glow. Heartfelt Diwali wishes to you and your family, filled with love, light, and happiness!”
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major religious and cultural celebration originating in the Indian subcontinent, primarily observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Its history is rooted in ancient legends, such as the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after 14 years of exile, which is commemorated by lighting oil lamps. Today, it symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
New Year
“New Year” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a global celebration marking the beginning of a new calendar year. Its history is ancient, with records of celebrations dating back thousands of years to civilizations like the Babylonians, who made resolutions to their gods. Modern observances on January 1st stem from the Julian and later Gregorian calendars, and traditions vary widely across cultures, from fireworks and countdowns to specific foods and rituals for good luck.
Gujarat
Gujarat is a state in western India with a rich history dating back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, home to one of the world’s first ports at Lothal. It is renowned for its vibrant culture, which includes the traditional Garba dance, and as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The state is also famous for its diverse wildlife in the Gir Forest, the last refuge of the Asiatic lion.
Surat
Surat is a historic port city in the Indian state of Gujarat, renowned for its diamond and textile industries. It rose to prominence in the 16th and 17th centuries as a major trading hub for the Mughal Empire, attracting European merchants from the British, Dutch, and Portuguese East India Companies. The city is also home to significant cultural sites, including the old Mughal-era fort and the iconic Swaminarayan Temple.
Telugu Padmashali community
The Telugu Padmashali community is a traditional weaving and textile-producing caste primarily from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Historically, they are renowned for their expertise in creating intricate fabrics, particularly luxurious silk sarees like the Pochampally Ikat. Their craft has been a cornerstone of the region’s economy and culture for centuries, with a social history deeply intertwined with the patronage of various South Indian dynasties.
bullet train
The bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is a high-speed railway system that first launched in Japan in 1964. It was inaugurated just before the Tokyo Olympics and connected Tokyo and Osaka, symbolizing Japan’s post-war technological recovery and modernization. Renowned for its remarkable speed, efficiency, and safety, it has become an iconic symbol of Japanese innovation and a model for high-speed rail networks worldwide.
Mother Lakshmi
“Mother Lakshmi” refers to the revered Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, rather than a physical place. She is a central figure in Hindu mythology, appearing in ancient scriptures like the Vedas, and is worshipped as the consort of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that worshipping her brings spiritual and material abundance.
Telugu community
The Telugu community is a Dravidian ethnolinguistic group native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with a rich history dating back over two millennia. Their cultural heritage is defined by the Telugu language, one of India’s classical languages, and celebrated through vibrant festivals, Kuchipudi dance, and Telugu cinema. Historically, the community flourished under powerful dynasties like the Satavahanas, Vijayanagara, and the Qutb Shahis of Golconda, who were great patrons of Telugu art and literature.
