Udupi: The Souharda Samiti and Catholic Sabha of Mother of Sorrows Church organised Sarvadharma Diwali Celebrations at the church ground here, on November 11.
The programme began with a prayer dance by the children. Fr Fred Mascarenhas, dean of Udupi deanery and parish priest of the Mother of Sorrows Church, welcomed the gathering.
The Sarvadharma Diwali programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Shree Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Sandipani Ashram Kemaru. Later, Hindu, Christian and Muslim community leaders lit the 12 foot tower lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji said that God resides in our hearts and His existence inspires us to spread brotherhood in the society. “We should respect the values of all religions and support a corruption-free society. We should aim towards giving quality education to our children, which is a prominent part of our social development.”
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, presided over the function. Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Gerald said that every person should share the light of happiness with others. “Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over evil. We should win over the evils haunting our daily life and society. This Diwali let us be the ray of hope for many. Let the light of victory prevail over the society,” he added.
Goldin Bangera of CSI Bathania Church Parpele Karkala, Moulana Abdul Rasheedof Udyavar Jamia Mosque, Gyani Balraj Singh (representative of the Sikh community), Nithyananda Volakadu of Nagarika Vedike and Benedicta Fernandes of the Catholic Sabha were present on the occasion.
