Fireworks, sparkling diyas and raas garba were highlights of the Diwali celebration at Radha Madhav Dham in Austin, Texas, Oct. 18. Over 6,000 people flocked into the temple premises an enjoyed face painting, games, arts and crafts booths for kids, a mela-‐style setup with vendors displaying and selling traditional Indian jewelry and clothes and regional Indian cuisine, a Radha Madhav Dham press release said.
Inside the temple, with idols of Radha Krishna were adorned with silks, and the altar was decorated with rangoli, flowers and diyas, the press release said. The Diwali program started with the singing of Ramayan Chaupais, describing the glories of Lord Ram followed a talk by Swami Nikhilanand, explaining the significance of Diwali.
Following the talk, the audience witnessed these stories performed live, through leela enactments by the devotees. The cultural program ended with a mesmerizing glimpse of the Ram Darbaar –‐ where Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman were seen in all their glory as classical performers danced to the stuti in praise of Lord Ram.
A fireworks show choreographed with the chants of “Radhey,” followed. Soon after, the live band started the traditional dance of Raas Garba in the outdoor shrine and hundreds of people, young and old, came together to participate, the press release said.
Meanwhile, inside the temple chanting continued with devotees, singing and dancing to the tunes of beautiful bhajans and naam sankirtan.