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Above, state senate candidate Shawn Dooley (center) flanked on his immediate left by Pushpa Jangareddi and Ramesh Jangareddi and on his immediate right by K P Sompally.
A colorful and joyous continuation of Diwali, was celebrated at Franklin Public Library Saturday afternoon. And amidst the Bollywood dancing, food, crafts and laughter was State Rep (and State Senate candidate) Shawn Dooley. He was invited due to his support for the holiday, specifically filing legislation to make the traditional holiday, celebrated by Hindus and others, a state holiday in Massachusetts.
According to K P Sompally, Diwali, (also spelled Divali), is one of the major festivals in India, lasting for five days, spanning the lunar month Ashvina to the lunar month Karttika. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” the festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
Organized in part under the auspices of the children and young adults’ programs of the library, the Diwali event earned attendance estimated by Sompally at about 200.
This year’s event opened with Bhumeet’s Tabla performance, which was followed by traditional Diwali dance by preschoolers, semi-classical Bollywood performances and a sampling of dance from different regions of India. That was followed by Bharatanatyam classical dance by Nihara from Franklin High School and participatory dancing.
About a year ago, Sompally, took advantage of the public comment period at a School Committee meeting to make a pitch for adding the Indian holiday. That request has yet to bear fruit.
But Representative Shawn Dooley, a candidate for State Senate, reasoned that action at the state level would make it easier for the Indian communities in Massachusetts to make their case with school boards. So, he announced recently that he has filed legislation that would establish Diwali as an official State Holiday. If this legislation is successful, it will go into effect for 2023.
Dooley noted that Diwali is a major holiday for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. “Massachusetts will send a strong message of welcoming and inclusion by making this an official holiday,” he said.
His effort did not go unnoticed.
Summarizing his time spent in Franklin Saturday, Dooley said, “It was such an incredible honor to spend the day celebrating Diwali with this amazing group of people. Such a welcoming and genuine community and I hope they will continue to include me in their celebrations.”
