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By Rico Dizon
English: Made from Bamboo, and fixed with starch, thread, especially during the festival of Diwali. These lanterns also grace the stage decoration and backdrops of important cultural programs, Indian classical musical concerts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Visitors to Artesia’s “Little India” during the upcoming celebration of “Diwali” will not be given any breaks when it comes to parking, thanks to a decision from Artesia City Council members.
The originally intended 2-hour free parking along the Pioneer Boulevard Corridor for both the actual day of “Diwali” on Nov. 3 and the “Diwali” Festival slated on Sat. Nov. 10 have been nixed after a vote by the Artesia City Council on Oct. 21.
The recent development runs in contrast with the current announcement on the Artesia city website that touted that “there will be a 2-hour free parking” during the Diwali celebration.
Speculations are that per an ad hoc committee recommendation, the City Council finally agreed to do away with the “free parking program” during the popular festival so as not to sow confusions and intrigue among the other organizers of similar future and incoming festivals and events in the city.
The merchants and business owners in Downtown Artesia in cooperation with the City are hosting the “Diwali” or Festival of Lights/Diwali Mela on Nov. 10 from 11 in the morning until 10 in the evening.
One thing certain is that the Pioneer Boulevard stretch from 183rd Street to 188th Street will be closed to vehicle traffic to give way to a whole day of entertainment, shopping, dining and celebrating along the popular tourist destination.
A main stage will be put up for the performers and entertainers.
Also, a long line of booths selling and catering to a variety of wares and foods will be featured as major part of the annual event in the city’s downtown area.
The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year.
The second day of the festival is called the Naraka Chaturdasi. Amavasya, the third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day of Diwali is known as Kartika Shudda Padyami. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya, and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
