The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), in conjunction with local Hindu temples, is pleased to offer opportunities for the interfaith community to experience Diwali with the Hindu and Jain community this weekend. While Diwali is officially this Thursday, October 19, most temples will have a more festive program for devotees and the community this weekend, when people are off from work. For most Hindus, this is the most important spiritual and religious time of the year. More information about the spiritual, cultural and religious significance of Diwali is available from the HAF Diwali Toolkit and Hinduism Today Magazine’s Diwali Infopage.

The following temples will have volunteers available to give tours of the temple and Diwali exhibits, explanations of Diwali and the important religious and spiritual occasions around Diwali, and provide you with a gourmet vegetarian dinner. Please RSVP as outlined below if you can attend during the times that the temples have prepared a special program for interfaith and civic leaders. You may of course visit any Hindu temple during their regular programs this week or at any time.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Temple
Address: 1430 California Circle, Milpitas, CA 95035
Date: Saturday October 21, 2017
Time: 2pm or 3pm (RSVP for one of the 2 slots). Please plan to arrive early so you have enough time to park.
Website: http://www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/SanJose.aspx
RSVP: outreach.sj@gmail.com
Contact person at the temple: Ajay Patel, outreach.sj@gmail.com, 925 487 1243
Food: Full early Diwali dinner will be provided

Shreemaya Krishnadham – Bay Area Youth Vaishnav Parivar
Address: 25 Corning Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2017
Time: 3.00 pm. Please plan to arrive early so you get enough time to park.
Website: http://www.bayvp.org
RSVP & contact person at the temple: Dr. Divyang Patel, podpatel@aol.com, 510 685 2843
Food: Full early Diwali dinner will be provided