Festival of Lights Delights Hindu religious and Cultural Festival

The Festival of Lights Delights is a mesmerizing celebration that brings together communities worldwide. With its radiant displays and meaningful traditions, it’s a time when people come together to share love, hope, and faith. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of this Festival , how it’s celebrated globally, and what makes this festival so special.

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What Type of Festival it is?

Diwali is a Hindu religious and cultural festival. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival involves lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes, performing prayers, and celebrating with family and friends.

Who is helding this festival?

The Festival of Lights Delights is organized by different groups depending on the festival

1. Diwali: Held by Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. Organized by local temples, cultural organizations, and municipalities (e.g., Mumbai).
2. Hanukkah: Held by Jewish communities, organized by synagogues, community centers, and local governments (e.g., New York City).
3. Christmas: Held by Christian communities, organized by churches, local governments, and community groups (e.g., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania).
4. Loy Krathong: Held by Thai communities, organized by local communities, temples, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (e.g., Chiang Mai).
5. Lantern Festival: Held by Chinese and Taiwanese communities, organized by local governments and cultural organizations (e.g., Taoyuan).

Motive behind the Festival

Spiritual Reflection: Festivals like Christmas and Hanukkah emphasize the triumph of light over darkness, encouraging spiritual reflection, hope, and renewal.

Community Unity: Events like the Holiday Festival of Lights Delights and Loy Krathong foster a sense of togetherness, bringing people from different backgrounds to celebrate in unison.

Joy and Celebration: The goal of many U.S. light festivals, such as the PNC Festival of Lights or Riverside Festival of Lights Delights, is to spread joy, celebrate the holiday season, and bring families together through festive activities.

Cultural Preservation: Festivals like Diwali and the Lantern Festival aim to celebrate and preserve cultural traditions, allowing different communities to share their heritage with others.

Prosperity and Good Wishes: Festivals like Diwali in the U.S. symbolize the hope for prosperity, good fortune, and happiness in the coming year, as well as a fresh start.

Location of this Festival

1. Spanish Fork Festival of Lights

• Location: Canyon View Park, 3300 E Powerhouse Rd, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
• Dates: November 28, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily

2. Tanglewood Festival of Lights

• Location: Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012
• Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily

3. PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

• Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
• Dates: November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily

4. Oxford Festival of Lights

• Location: Choccolocco Park, Oxford, AL
• Dates: Starting November 22, 2025
• Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Mon-Thu), 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Fri-Sun)

5. Washington D.C. Temple Festival of Lights

• Location: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895
• Dates: December 5, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Hours: 4:45 PM – 9:00 PM daily

Where to Buy Tickets for the Festival?

1. Spanish Fork Festival of Lights

• Ticket Purchase:
  • Online Tickets: Available at online booking sites.
  • Gate Tickets: Higher prices at the gate (Online is recommended to save).
• Pricing (2025):
  • Single-family vehicle: $10 online / $15 at the gate
  • Commercial van or vehicle towing a trailer: $25 online / $35 at the gate
  • Bus: $50 online / $60 at the gate
• Advance Tickets: Required for entry.

2. Tanglewood Festival of Lights

• Ticket Purchase:
  • Advance Tickets: Available at Tanglewood Park Welcome Center or Marketing & Events Office.
  • Gate Tickets: Available at the park entrance.
• Pricing:
  • Family vehicles (cars, vans, trucks): $20 (cash) / $23 (credit card)
  • Commercial vans/limo/minibus: $45 (cash) / $48 (credit card)
  • Motorcoaches/Buses: $115 (cash) / $118 (credit card)
• Discount Nights: Available on select dates.

3. PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

• Ticket Purchase:
  • Included with general zoo admission
  • Additional Attractions: Available at the zoo’s entrance or through the zoo’s website.

4. Oxford Festival of Lights

• Ticket Purchase:
  • Gate Tickets: Available at the event entrance.

• Pricing (2024):
  • Carload (8 or fewer seats): $25 (Mon-Thu) / $30 (Fri-Sun)
  • Larger vehicles (9–15 seats): $30 (Mon-Thu) / $35 (Fri-Sun)

5. Washington D.C. Temple Festival of Lights

• Ticket Purchase:
  • Free Admission: For light displays and general access.
  • Performances: Free but require advance reservations (book through the temple’s website or Eventbrite).

Attendees and Performance

Some authentic names of attendees and performers who have participated in Festival of Lights Delights celebrations:

Diwali

• Attendees:
  • Nikki Haley (Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN) – has attended Diwali celebrations.
  • Kamala Harris (Vice President of the U.S.) – celebrates Diwali with the Indian-American community.
• Performers:
  • A. R. Rahman (Composer) – has performed at large Diwali events.
  • Mindy Kaling (Actress) – has participated in Diwali-themed events.

Hanukkah

• Attendees:
  • Barack Obama (Former U.S. President) – attended the public menorah lighting at the White House.
  • Bill de Blasio (Former Mayor of New York City) – participated in the menorah lighting ceremony.
• Performers:
  • Matisyahu (Singer) – known for his performances during Hanukkah.
  • The Maccabeats (A cappella group) – often perform at Hanukkah events.

Christmas

• Attendees:
  • Donald Trump (Former U.S. President) – attended Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at the White House.
  • Melania Trump (Former First Lady) – hosted the White House Christmas celebrations.
• Performers:
  • Andrea Bocelli (Opera Singer) – performed at Christmas events like Christmas at the Vatican.
  • Michael Bublé (Singer) – performs at major Christmas events.

Loy Krathong

• Attendees:
  • Thai-American community leaders – attend the Loy Krathong celebrations in cities like Los Angeles and New York.
• Performers:
  • Tata Young (Thai-American Singer) – has performed at major U.S. celebrations.
  • Thai classical dancers – often perform traditional dances during Loy Krathong.

Lantern Festival

• Attendees:
  • Chinese-American community leaders – attend Lantern Festival events in cities like San Francisco and New York.
• Performers:
  • Lang Lang (Pianist) – has performed during Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival events in the U.S.
  • Chinese acrobats – often perform during Lantern Festival celebrations.

Conclusion

The Festival of Lights Delights is a global celebration of hope, unity, and renewal. Whether it’s Diwali, Hanukkah, or Christmas, these festivals bring people together through the powerful symbol of light. Organized by various communities, cultural groups, and governments, these festivals illuminate not just the world but also our hearts, celebrating love, joy, and new beginnings.