Hindu New Year Celebration and Book Talk at the Scarsdale Library

The Scarsdale Public Library will welcome the Hindu New Year by celebrating Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, on Sunday, November 7, at 2 p.m. The program will feature “Indian Tales to Celebrate Diwali” told by noted storyteller LuAnn Adams, traditional Indian sitar music, dancing by children from the community and food. The event is free and open to the public; registration is not required.

Diwali, the most popular holiday in India, means, “Row of lighted lamps,” a reference to the rows of lamps that were lit to welcome the return of Rama after his victory over the demon, Ravana. Lights are displayed to represent the importance of good over evil. Each of Diwali’s five days has special significance. The fourth day is New Years and the fifth, falling on November 7, honors siblings.

Traditions and customs vary throughout India. Generally, Diwali is celebrated with fireworks, firecrackers and dazzling lights. The fireworks are dedicated to the gods in thanks for health, wealth, and intelligence. Rangoli, a traditional Indian folk art consisting of beautiful designs and bright colors, decorates the interiors and exteriors of houses.

On Monday November 8, The Friends of the Scarsdale Library proudly present writer Nicholas Thompson, author of The Hawk and the Dove - Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War at 8 p.m. in the Scott Room of Scarsdale Public Library. Admission is free.

“May be the most important political biography in recent memory” —The Washington Times

“Brilliant … a penetrating, amazingly accessible study of the origins and conduct of the Cold War.” —James Hoagland in The Washington Post

“The book is brimming with fascinating revelations about the men and the harrowing events they steered through.” —The New York Times

“In this important and astute new study, Nitze emerges as a driven patriot and Kennan as a darkly conflicted and prophetic one.” —The Washington Post Book Review

For more information on both events, call the library at 722-1300.