Match Number : SWA1408 Participating in religious events is a fun experience and you learn a lot.

Over the years, I have come to enjoy them more and more. Diwali, Maha Sivaratri, and the Soorasamharam are some events that I have participated or watched. They provide very good experiences. They have taught me a lot and I have gained much knowledge by being involved in these events. Diwali is the "Festival of Lights." November 3rd is the day of Diwali this year and I am really looking forward to the day. At the temple during youth classes, we learned the story about Ramayanam. In the story, Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is born as a human to the king of Ayodhya to make the world a better place. He, his wife, and his brother are exiled for 14 years because his stepmother wants her son to be king. Along his journey of visiting many sages, he upset the demon king, Ravana by messing with his sister. After finally killing him, Rama went home victoriously after his exile. This day was celebrated very joyously by the people of Ayodhya and eventually came to be known as Diwali. As I said before, Diwali is the "Festival of Lights" so during that day, we light lamps all around the house and the temple. We dress in new clothes and look our best. Also everyone gets together and outside the temple, there are fireworks to see and small ones for us kids to do. The parents are also having a good time talking together. We are all enjoying ourselves while learning more about our interesting culture. Maha Sivaratri is another event that I have gone to. Maha Sivaratri took place on March 10 this year. The name translates to "the great night of Siva" which is exactly what it is. All night, devotees stay up and pray to Lord Siva. There are some stories I have heard about this auspicious night. Some people believe that the day is when Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi got married. On the other hand, people believe that it was the night when Lord Siva performed the Tandava Nritya, a dance of preservation and destruction. Many Hindus believe that if you

worship Siva on that night, He will get rid of all your past sins and bring good luck into your life. I remember several things about that night at the temple. The temple was decorated everywhere especially around Lord Siva. There was also a place on the ground where a Siva Lingam was made with108 smaller Lingams. The priests give a sacred bath to the Siva Lingam with honey, water, milk, and other things. Also, there was a very long line to pour milk over a miniature Siva Lingam. During the night, devotees sang bajans and slokas to honor Lord Siva. Even the students from religions class during the youth classes sang this year. It was an interesting night... even though I could not stay awake the whole night. I cannot wait for next year! Another one of my favorites is Soorasamharam. It takes place on November 8. This festival, like many others, signifies the win of good over evil. During this day, the killing of the Asuras is recreated. Lord Muruga, Lord Siva's son, is believed to have killed all the Asuras, but only4 are reenacted that day. The day brings back many memories. When we go to the temple on that day, there are many people there. Volunteers get Lord Muruga ready to fight. He is all dresses nicely and is holding a "vel" which is a stick with a pointed leaf-like shape at the top. I think of it as his "signature weapon" because that's how I have always imagined him. There are four demons or Asuras. One by one, they all come to Lord Muruga and He kills them. After each kill, people, including kids, dance with a kavadi. A kavadi is a half-moon shaped object. It is decorated and devotees put them on their shoulders to dance with it. The first few demons are easy to kill and then the last few involve lots of running and chanting. There is also lots of music. There are two people who play classical instruments to go along with the chases. One man plays a tabla, which are a pair of small drums and another man plays the nathaswaram which is like a clarinet except with more reeds and some difference in sound. It is a very fun experience that even little kids can enjoy.

As you can see, I really do like coming to the temple for these different events. They are a wonderful opportunity to learn new things all while having a great time. These events bring people together and I enjoy learning about my culture. Now, the little kids see it as "the good guy killing the bad guy," but one day, they will also see the bigger story behind it all. I hope that kids everywhere get these experiences. Match Number : SWA1408