10/18/2026
UHJT Celebrates the 33rd Deepavali/Diwali Mela, Showcasing Indian Culture, Spirituality, and Community Unity
GREENBELT, MARYLAND — October 10, 2026 — The Association of United Hindu Jain Temples of Metropolitan DC (UHJT) celebrated its 33rd Deepavali/Diwali Mela on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, 7601 Hanover Parkway, Greenbelt, Maryland. Led by Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT), the annual celebration brought together families, community members, artists, vendors, and distinguished guests for a vibrant day honoring India's rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and enduring spirit of unity.
The Mela was filled with festive energy, colorful decorations, enthusiastic participation, and a remarkable display of Indian culture and traditions. A bustling marketplace featuring numerous vendors offered a wide variety of products, festive merchandise, and shopping opportunities. The food court delighted attendees with an assortment of culinary offerings, adding to the festive atmosphere and creating an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
A Celebration of India's Rich Cultural Heritage
One of the most prominent highlights of the Mela was the participation of more than 400 performers, who captivated audiences with an impressive array of cultural presentations. The program featured classical dance traditions, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, alongside devotional bhajans, traditional music, the energetic Dhol-Tasha performance, and other cultural attractions.
A particularly memorable highlight was “Krishnam Madhuram,” a captivating dance drama presented by Kuchipudi Academy under the direction of Mrs. Laxmi Babu. The production received widespread acclaim from the audience for its artistic excellence, graceful choreography, and devotional portrayal of Lord Krishna.
The excitement continued with a spectacular Dhol-Tasha presentation by the Avartan Group, showcasing the vibrant rhythms and rich heritage of this traditional Maharashtrian art form. Together, the performances created a joyful atmosphere and offered audiences an opportunity to appreciate the diversity and richness of India's artistic traditions.
Distinguished Guests Recognize UHJT's Contributions to the Community
The Mela was honored by the participation of distinguished guests representing government, diplomacy, and the interfaith community. Their messages highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans to the United States and recognized UHJT's longstanding commitment to cultural preservation, community service, and interfaith understanding.
Mr. Terry Lierman, father of Maryland Comptroller Ms. Brooke Lierman, addressed the gathering and emphasized the significant role immigrants play in strengthening the United States. He highlighted their contributions across a wide range of fields, including medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, business, and the arts, noting their important role in the nation's prosperity and progress.
On behalf of Ms. Brooke Lierman, Comptroller of Maryland, Mr. Terry Lierman presented a Certificate of Honor to Dr. Siva Subramanian, President of UHJT, and Dr. Suresh Gupta, UHJT Board Member. The recognition congratulated UHJT on its longstanding service to the community and its continued efforts to foster unity and cultural understanding.
Ms. Susan Abaddian, Executive Director of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, was introduced next. She acknowledged UHJT's contributions to the interfaith community over the past 35 years, commending its efforts to promote unity, advance understanding of Dharmic philosophies, and encourage meaningful interfaith dialogue.
She also recognized Ms. Mythili Bachu for her leadership as a former president of the Interfaith Council and acknowledged Dr. Siva Subramanian for receiving the Leadership Award and Bridge Builder Award. Ms. Abaddian encouraged members of the Hindu and Jain communities to participate in the Interfaith Council's UNITY WALK, an initiative established following the September 11 attacks to promote solidarity, mutual respect, and understanding. The walk was announced for Sunday, October 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, DC.
Mr. Debesh Kumar, Counsellor for Community Affairs at the Embassy of India, delivered a warm Diwali message to the gathering. He reaffirmed the Embassy's commitment to supporting the Indian diaspora and expressed pride in the accomplishments of Indian Americans across diverse professional fields. He noted that their achievements and contributions continue to strengthen ties between India and the United States and bring recognition to India around the world.
Later in the evening, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam, representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District, visited the Mela and interacted with community members in the auditorium and dining area. He expressed his willingness to assist individuals facing issues that could be addressed through his congressional office. Attendees appreciated his accessibility and readiness to engage with members of the broader Indian diaspora, including those beyond his congressional district.
Grand Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja: A Spiritual Highlight
The celebration culminated in the grand Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja, followed by the Grand Aarti at 7:00 p.m., conducted by Sri Siva Vishnu Temple priests Sri Narayanachar and Sri Karthikeyan.
The sacred ceremony reflected the spiritual essence of Deepavali—the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Devotees joined in prayers seeking divine blessings for prosperity, peace, happiness, and well-being for their families and the wider community.
Strengthening Community Bonds Through Culture and Tradition
The 33rd Deepavali/Diwali Mela once again demonstrated the important role of community celebrations in preserving cultural heritage, promoting mutual understanding, and bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. By combining vibrant cultural performances, a lively vendor marketplace, diverse culinary experiences, distinguished guests, and meaningful spiritual observances, the Mela created an inclusive celebration that appealed to people of all ages and backgrounds.
UHJT extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, participating temples, performers, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, dignitaries, and community members whose generous contributions and dedicated efforts made the 33rd Deepavali/Diwali Mela a memorable and successful event.
The celebration reaffirmed UHJT's continued commitment to preserving Hindu and Jain traditions, strengthening community relationships, encouraging interfaith dialogue, and sharing the richness of Indian culture with the wider Washington metropolitan community.
About the Association of United Hindu Jain Temples of Metropolitan DC
The Association of United Hindu Jain Temples of Metropolitan DC (UHJT) brings together Hindu and Jain temples and communities across the Washington metropolitan region to promote cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, community service, and unity. Through cultural celebrations, collaborative initiatives, and interfaith engagement, UHJT works to strengthen community bonds and foster greater appreciation of the region's diverse traditions.
