Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Fountain Street Church hosts interfaith celebration

Amidst a nationally divisive and hostile presidential election that has caused a recent spike in racism, sexism, xenophobia, islamophobia, homophobia, misogyny and hate crimes across the United States, the greater Grand Rapids community caught a glimpse of unity, peace and friendship this weekend. This past Friday at 6 p.m., Fountain Street Church hosted the West Michigan Hindu Temple to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali together. The church hosts various interfaith events throughout the year with the prospect of providing spaces for dialogue, understanding and fellowship between Christians and people of other faiths. Three Calvin College students attended this event through the Service-Learning Center’s interfaith program, which offered rides to the church. The number of participants at the celebration totaled around a hundred people, with guests from nearby colleges, mosques, temples and other churches in the area.

The Indian national holiday of Diwali, which roughly translates to “row of lights,” is an important Hindu festival that celebrates “the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair,” as explained by one of the members of the West Michigan Hindu Temple (WMHT). The space was appropriately decorated, as colorful lights were hung from the ceiling, emanating soft glows and rows of lights throughout the church fellowship room.

The evening of celebration opened with a greeting and brief introduction of the Hindu faith by WMHT Pracharak (outreach minister) Fred Stella, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp, which everyone was invited to participate in regardless of their faith. The commencement ceremony was accompanied by traditional Indian singing beautifully performed by WMHT’s music teacher. Following the opening ceremony, the guests enjoyed a variety of exquisite Indian food, including biryani, a variety of spicy curries, samosas, naan and gulab jamun. As the fine aromas of sweet, spicy and savory South Asian cuisine filled the room, children from WMHT performed various Indian dances, ranging from slow traditional dances to modern, upbeat Bollywood choreography. Other members from WMHT also performed a selection of classical Hindu songs in Sanskrit. As the night of fellowship and celebration carried on through the night, the food and music further enlivened the atmosphere.

This interfaith celebration of Diwali was not simply a time to learn about those who are different from us; it was a night where love, unity, understanding and peace prevailed over a country currently wounded by a painful amount of hatred and intolerance. As our time of fellowship continued throughout the night — Christians, Muslims, Hindus and others congregating in peace — a small yet powerful message was sent out to a divided post-election America: light prevails over darkness, love overcomes hate, hope triumphs over despair and understanding conquers ignorance.

More to Discover