By Jarret Liotta
Diwali, a holiday central to India and other Asian countries, gave area seniors a reason to celebrate on a recent afternoon in Chatsworth. The Valley Indian Seniors Association (VISA) hosted a Diwali party for its monthly meeting, featuring the traditional food, dance and attire for this unique festival of lights observed by Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and others.
This is such a big holiday for us, said Sunita Batra, vice president of VISA, who was wearing traditional Indian garments. Its like Christmas, for we celebrate, we change our clothes, we pray.
Friends of the Valley Indian Seniors Association aking part in a celebratory dance for Diwali on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Puspa Silla of Rescue, left, and Kalyani Keeraragravan of Westlake Village enjoy the Diwali celebration on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Monica Sarin of Chatsworth, a dance instructor, leads a Diwali dance on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Show Caption1 of 3Friends of the Valley Indian Seniors Association aking part in a celebratory dance for Diwali on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
ExpandDiwali marks the beginning of the Hindu new year, officially starting Oct. 31 this year. Getting its name from the Sanskrit word deepavali which means row of lights it commemorates the victory of good over evil.
The myth has it that its the war against evil, and its won by good darkness to light explained Anisha Judge of Brentwood, who volunteers with VISA. She said the holiday demands that you light your outside and you light your inside symbolically.
Each month VISA, a nonprofit based in Sherman Oaks and Encino, holds an event for its seniors that focuses on health or other issues relevant to its senior population. This month they held a party that highlighted this unique celebration of Indian culture, and gave about 100 members of VISA a chance to enjoy some social time together.
Yash Batra of Glendale, a volunteer, explained, As you grow old, you find you get isolated. They want to get together. They want to speak the same language. Its happy for them.
Nishtha Raheja Goel of Chatsworth, president of VISA, said recent programs featured informational sessions with Hindi-speaking doctors, entertainment by local artists and inspirational talks by spiritual and interfaith leaders. These events are interwoven with themed activities that celebrate life, such as patriotic costume competitions, bingo and singing games.
Los Angeles City Councilmember District 4 Nithya Raman, Indian by birth, made an appearance at the Diwali celebration, presenting VISA and several volunteers with certificates of recognition for their work.
For me, one of the most important things about being in this role has been trying to reconnect with my South Asian roots, Raman said. Im the first South Asian ever to be elected in the city of Los Angeles Im very, very proud of that.
Raman added, Sometimes this city, Los Angeles, can feel a little bit alienating, unlike her experience growing up on the East Coast, where there was a significant Indian community. We had so many groups that were able to come together, she said, praising VISA for bringing together people in L.A. regularly around our shared culture, around our shared values.
Goel appeared before the L.A. City Council on Friday, Nov. 8, and pointed out that part of the Diwali holiday includes a focus on Indias cultural value of respect and reverence for their senior citizens. Diwali urges us to cherish the elders who are the foundation of our lives, of our heritage, and of our culture, Goel said.
This is where ethnogeriatrics come in, Goel said. Its the field that understands and respects cultural differences in the elderly. Our senior citizens deserve care that sees them as whole people, honoring their physical, cultural and their spiritual identities.
Volunteer Anisha Judge said that the challenges facing the population of Indian immigrants is somewhat unique.The biggest epidemic among seniors is loneliness, she said. And their problems are different from the average American because of language issues and racial issues.
Another volunteer, Ashwani Chawla from Porter Ranch, said, They come to get out, and sometimes they get to share with their friends. He added, They celebrate, eat the cultural food, and dance. Its just joyful.