Lokvani wishes all its readers a very Happy Deepavali!

Natural gas and natural gas plant liquids together account for 47.6% of U.S. primary energy production. By comparison, crude oil contributes 26.1%, while coal supplies 9.8%.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has conferred its Distinguished Alumni Award 2026 upon Prof. Sanjay E. Sarma, Fred Fort Flowers (1941) and Daniel Fort Flowers (1941) Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the category of Entrepreneurship & Management. The award recognises his pioneering contributions to RFID, the Internet of Things (IoT), technology innovation and digital education, as well as his distinguished impact as an academic, entrepreneur and institution-builder.

by Pandit Bharani
Deepavali, popularly known as Diwali, is one of the most sacred and joyous Hindu festivals celebrated throughout the world. The word Deepavali comes from two Sanskrit words, Deepa, meaning lamp, and Avali, meaning a row of lights. Beyond the beauty of glowing lamps, colorful Rangoli, delicious sweets, and family gatherings, Deepavali carries a profound spiritual message—the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, righteousness over evil, and hope over despair.

by Dr. Indrajeet Tyagi and Dr. Iranna Hirapur
Breathing is one of the most natural functions of life, yet we rarely think about it until climbing stairs becomes difficult, walking short distances leaves us breathless, or a persistent cough interferes with daily activities. These seemingly minor symptoms may be early warning signs of emphysema, a serious and progressive lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

The spirit of Diwali came alive in Burlington, Massachusetts, as members and friends of Friends of Indian Seniors (FISCO) gathered for a joyful celebration filled with music, laughter, entertainment, and camaraderie.

The New England Hindu Temple and Heritage Institute (NEHTI), at Sri Lakshmi Temple, brought the Navaratri festivities to a joyful close on Oct 30,  with a lively Garba and Dandiya Night, filled with music, dance, and community spirit.

The Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple on Oct 25th, witnessed a truly historic and spiritually uplifting milestone with its grand Maha Kumbhabhishekam celebrations. Drawing thousands of devotees from across New England, the vibrant multi-day festival blended ancient Agamic traditions, rich cultural showcases, and a profound sense of community triumph [more]

by Bhanu Srinivasan
Bringing a fresh, modern perspective to an ancient epic, Ramleela – Reimagined captivated an enthusiastic crowd of attendees on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Regis College in Weston. Presented by Hub of Myths, the vibrant theatrical production successfully blended deep cultural tradition with creative flair.

Diwali Gala, Divine Vibes and Shlokathon at Chinmaya Mission Boston.

Get ready to clap, sing, sway, and dance! On November 7th , bhajans are getting an exciting musical makeover at the Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple in Bellingham, Massachusetts. Bhakti Bhajan Beats promises an electrifying evening where the soulful spirit of devotional music meets the infectious rhythms of Western drums, guitar, keyboard, harmonium, and traditional Indian percussion.

Boston Bhangra, North America’s largest independent Indian dance competition, has announced the 12 teams that will be competing for the title this year on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester. For the first time in its 23-year history, the celebration of northern Indian dance and culture will be split into two categories, Live and Music. [more]

United India Associatio of New England presents Diwali Celebrations 2026 on November 15th inn Newton, MA.

CROSSINGS, presented by Global Indian Artist in collaboration with MITHAS and Kanakavalli, on Nov. 15th in Cambridge, MA.

Experience a magical evening of live music Shaam-E-Ghazal with Kiran Nath and a stellar ensemble of musicians on November 21, 2026 in Lexington, MA.

ISW will be celebrating Diwali, Heartfulness Meditationn Workshop, Laxmi Puja, Health Care and Living Will Workshop and Christmas.

Nearly a decade after beginning Bharatanatyam at the age of five, Nilanjana Seal, now a 10th-grade student at Westford Academy, took center stage at Littleton High School on August 15, 2026, for her Arangetram under the guidance of Guru Smt. Preethi Ramesh of Sarasa Natya Academy.

Ms. Durriya Doctor, President of IIT Association of Greater New England, was among the 11 recipients of the IIT Bombay Chapter Service Awards 2026.

Founder of the Sarvadev Mandir in Oxford,MA Neelu Sharma shares the fascinating story of how this temple came to be. She also describes the activities of the temple. [more]

Global Peace Secretariat awarded City of Boston a Special Citation as "City of Peace" for U.N. Day October 24th.

Based on the celebrated ancient epic known to billions, Namit Malhotra's Ramayana: Rise of a Legend tells the story of Rama, a prince bound by sacrifice; Ravana, an immortal king driven by vengeance; and the prophecy that binds their fates together. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi.- November 5th in theaters.

Here are two problems for one and all!

by Madhumati Tyagi 
Among the many traditional delicacies prepared during the auspicious festival of Deepavali, Besan Ladoo holds a special place. Made with roasted gram flour, pure ghee, sugar, and aromatic cardamom, these golden sweets symbolize happiness, prosperity, and the sweetness of relationships.

by Geetha Patil 
Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, brings families together to celebrate happiness, prosperity, and the victory of light over darkness. Among the traditional sweets prepared during this auspicious festival, Sakkarai Pongal, also known as Sweet Pongal, is a delicious rice-based delicacy especially popular in South Indian households.

What do you call a chatbot pirate? Arrr-tificial Intelligence.

New England at its best!

When the heart is free from pride and desire, it becomes a dwelling place for the Divine. - Inspired by the teachings of Akka Mahadevi. [more]