GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA, November 8, 2015 (Grand Forks Herald): The Bhutanese Society of Grand Forks held the event to celebrate the Festival of Lights, a Hindu festival that extends over a five-day period, celebrating victory over evil, or light over darkness. “It’s a major festival of our people, kind of like your Christmas,” society Treasurer Laxman Rasaily said.
The festival included music, dancing, performances, speeches and food. People danced and cheered in their seats while different colored lights illuminated the stage. The religious, cultural and communal event provides an opportunity for people to get together who may not see each other often due to work or other activities, Rasaily said. The event also helps to teach younger residents growing up in Grand Forks traditional celebrations to “preserve our festival and our culture,” he said.