St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances will once again host an East Indian supper to commemorate the festival of Diwali.
A celebration including a traditional buffet of East Indian cuisine is set for 6 p.m. Saturday at St. John’s Anglican Church.
According to a release, Diwali is the Indian equivalent of Christmas — a time when people of all religious traditions, including many Christians, celebrate the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness.
While Diwali is popularly known as the “festival of lights,” the most significant spiritual meaning has to do with “the awareness of the inner light,” the release said.
The history of Diwali goes back many years encompassing many legends which vary from region to region. One of those legends speaks of the homecoming of Rama after a 14-year exile in the forest and his victory over the demon, Ravana. In the legend, the people of Ayodhya — the capital of his kingdom — welcomed Rama and his wife, Sita, by lighting rows of lamps, thus its name “dipwali” or “diwali,” meaning “rows of lights.”
During Diwali, the release said many will celebrate by sporting new clothing and sharing sweets and snacks with friends and neighbors. Flowers are brought into homes and temples, incense is burned, special curries are made, traditional songs are sung, and of course, lamps are kindled.
During Saturday’s celebration, vegetarian and non-vegetarian will be served, including chicken curry, dal (curried lentils), channa (chick pea curry), and many different kinds of vegetables, all cooked using fresh herbs and spices. The meal will conclude with one of India’s exotic sweets and a cup of homemade masala chai (spiced tea).
Curries will be served both mild (for the novice) and hot for the experienced palate.
The cost of the dinner is $20 and because seating is limited, reservations must be made in advance by calling Sarah Gervais at 807-274-5872 or 807-275-9330.
