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The Association of United Hindu Jain Temples of Metropolitan DC (UHJT) held its 33rd annual Deepavali/Diwali Mela on October 10, 2026, at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland, featuring cultural performances, religious observances, and community recognition.
Led by Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT), the celebration brought together families, artists, vendors, and public officials to mark Diwali and celebrate Indian heritage, according to a press statement from UHJT.
More than 400 performers participated in a cultural program featuring Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, along with devotional bhajans and other presentations. Vendors offered festive merchandise and other products, while a food court provided a variety of dining options.
Among the featured performances was “Krishnam Madhuram,” a dance drama presented by Kuchipudi Academy under the leadership of Laxmi Babu. The statement said the production drew appreciation from the audience for its artistry and devotional themes. The Avartan Group also performed Dhol-Tasha, a traditional Maharashtrian percussion art form.
The event included recognition of UHJT’s work in cultural preservation, interfaith engagement, and community service.
Terry Lierman, father of Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, addressed the gathering, highlighting immigrants’ contributions to American prosperity in fields including medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, business, and the arts.
On the comptroller’s behalf, he presented a Certificate of Honor to UHJT President Dr. Siva Subramanian and board member Dr. Suresh Gupta, recognizing the organization’s community service and efforts to promote unity.
Susan Abaddian, executive director of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, recognized UHJT’s involvement in the interfaith community over the past 35 years, according to the statement. She highlighted its contributions to interfaith dialogue and the sharing of Dharmic philosophy.
Abaddian also acknowledged Mythili Bachu’s leadership as a former president of the Interfaith Council and recognized Subramanian’s receipt of the Leadership Award and Bridge Builder Award.
She invited members of the Hindu and Jain communities to participate in the council’s UNITY WALK, which the statement described as an initiative established after September 11 to encourage understanding and solidarity. The walk is scheduled for October 25, from 1 to 5 p.m., on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C.
Debesh Kumar, counsellor for community affairs at the Embassy of India, offered Diwali greetings and reiterated the embassy’s support for the Indian diaspora. He also recognized Indian Americans’ professional achievements and their contributions to India’s international standing, the statement said.
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, who represents Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, visited the mela later in the evening and spoke with attendees in the auditorium and dining area. According to UHJT, he offered assistance to community members with concerns that could be addressed through his office.
The religious observances included a Lakshmi and Ganesha puja conducted by SSVT priests Sri Narayanachar and Sri Karthikeyan, concluding with a grand aarti by 7 p.m.
UHJT said the prayers reflected Diwali’s themes of light overcoming darkness, knowledge overcoming ignorance, and good overcoming evil, while expressing wishes for prosperity, peace, and well-being.
The organization thanked participating temples, performers, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, guests, and community members for supporting the event. It said the annual mela remains part of its efforts to preserve Hindu and Jain traditions, strengthen community ties, and encourage interfaith understanding across the Washington metropolitan region.
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