From today's Plain Dealer:
India's most important holiday inspires a four-day celebration and fireworks in the old country. In Northeast Ohio, an Asian-Indian community of about 15,000 people condenses the festival and its themes into a single day.
"The idea is to remove all and every dark corner of the house and spread the light," said Narayan Dravid, a trustee of the region's largest Hindu temple, Shiva Vishnu Temple in Parma. "The main idea is to spread the light in your heart, in your mind."
The festival of Diwali (pronounced dee-VAHL-ee) at Shiva Vishnu Temple, 7737* Ridge Road, Parma, is open to the public Saturday. It begins with veneration of the deity Lakshmi Puja, the goddess of wealth and beauty, at 3 p.m. and climaxes with a communal meal at 6:30 p.m.
The Shivu Vishnu Temple [1]is located on the part of Ridge Rd. known as Snake Hill, between Pleasant Valley and Sprague. If you decide to use RTA, walk or bicycle--be forewarned that autos use the stretch as a speedway and sidewalks are not a real option. Exercise caution.
It is also worth the trip to see the lights of the fall foliage in the Big Creek Valley. The Temple has constructed a beautiful memory walkway that overlooks the valley.
Links:
[1] http://www.shivavishnutemple.org/