Ashwin Shah was thinking peaceful thoughts Thursday night as he stood in a room full of friends and family members celebrating Diwali, the beginning of the Hindu new year.

Shah, dressed in traditional Indian tunic and pants for the occasion, summarized his mood as follows: “God bless everybody. Live a long life and have a nice, peaceful life without any struggle.”

Shah, 42, Lawrence, and roughly 50 other area residents — all of whom come from the same Indian state of Gujrat — gathered Thursday night at the Ramada Inn, 2222 W. Sixth St., to celebrate Diwali, which is as big a holiday in India as Christmas is in America. Peacock feathers decorated the walls, and candles shimmered on a table decorated with mums and colored rice.

The event was significant because for the first time, Lawrence residents of Hindu or Indian heritage say they’re ready to take their annual Diwali celebrations out of their homes and into the broader community.

“This is the first time we’re doing this” in Lawrence, said Mrudula Bhakta, one of the organizers of the gathering. “It is our hope that the word will get out so that next year’s (event) will be even bigger. We want everyone to come.”

In years past, Bhakta said, Indians and Indian Americans in Lawrence have celebrated Diwali in each other’s homes.

“We would always get together with four or five families, cook a big meal and enjoy ourselves — it’s a time to put on new clothes,” said 23-year-old Dimple Albee, who’s lived in Lawrence for 18 years.

From left, Priya Bhakta, 12, Priya Albee, 13, Sonya Bhakta, 15, Karishama Bhakta, 13, and Arati Bhakta, 16, dance to Indian music while celebrating Diwali, the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Although Diwali is officially Saturday, local Indian families gathered Thursday at the Ramada Inn, 2222 W. Sixth St., to exchange gifts, dance, eat and converse.

This year’s festivities, Albee said, are intended to move Diwali into the community.

Diwali, which in Sanskrit means “row of lights,” commemorates the triumph of good over evil, light over dark.

Though religious in origin, Diwali has evolved into a social event, a time when enmities are to be forgotten and kinships celebrated. Throughout India, homes are decorated with strings of lights; fireworks are common.

“Different families celebrate in different ways; for some it is a time to spend with elders, and for others it’s lots of fireworks. But it is definitely celebrated,” said Raj Makwana, 22, a chef at India Palace restaurant, 129 E. 10th St. “In India, Diwali is our most important holiday.”

Diwali dates vary each year because they are based on the lunar calendar. This year, Diwali lasts from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25. Some years it falls in November.

On Saturday, many Lawrence celebrators are expected to take part in a ceremony at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Shawnee.

¢More about Diwali¢ KU students savor taste of Indian food (5-14-03)¢KU India Club

Kansas University’s Cultural India Club will stage its annual Diwali celebration Nov. 8 in the Kansas Union, featuring food, dance, skits and songs.

“The details are still being worked out, but it usually brings in between 400 and 500 people — people come in from Topeka and Kansas City,” said 23-year-old Siddhartha Gavirneni, a club member. “It’s a very big deal.”