Celebrating Diwali with Firemen

When members of the Hindu Community in this small southern New Hampshire town of Salem, NH showed up (after arranging with the fire department chief) on the evening of October 24th, 2022 in bright ethnic attire bearing sweets and snacks in colorful packages, the firemen were not going to be outdone.  They invited the visitors into the hanger which housed the gorgeous red fire engines to pose for pictures with them!

The mood changed from curiosity to upbeat.  Firemen, who are involved in the serious and risky business of putting out fires and facing unpredictable encounters day after day, appreciated the gesture of folks bringing unexpected gifts.  And the community members were happy to find a way to honor much admired fellow citizens.   

Diwali is a joyous Hindu festival which marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized by victory of light over darkness.  People give gifts of sweets and snacks to others, clean and decorate their homes with colorful patterns (called rangoli) and pray for prosperity.  There is also a Forever USPS stamp depicting a small earthen lamp to recognize Diwali.  It usually comes in the month of October (it is set by lunar calendar, so it does not occur on the same date every year).  Several States, including New Hampshire and Massachusetts, have proclaimed October as Hindu Heritage Month because many Hindu festivals occur in the month (hindumonth.org).

Many Hindu organizations are observing the Hindu Heritage month with public service activities all over the United States.   A group in nearby Framingham, MA picked up trash in a segment of the highway to mark the month.  Still others served food in homeless shelters.  The small community in Salem, NH hoped that their way of honoring the Firefighters will start a trend in other places and foster better understanding of Hindu traditions in the community.

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