Over 200 enjoy Diwali celebration at the BORO Sugar Shack
By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough – In a time when it can seem that there is so much more divisiveness in society the Hindu festival Diwali can serve as a beautiful beacon of hope, love and inclusion. his was evident in Westborough on Oct 16. Nearly 200 guests, Indians and non-Indians alike, gathered at the BORO Sugar Shack for a special Diwali celebration featuring traditional foods, crafts, music and dance.
Diwali is known as the ‘festival of lights” and thus symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” The decision to hold the Westborough event at the Sugar Shack, the candy store that serves as a learning lab of sorts for students with special abilities, was at the suggestion of School Superintendent Amber Bock, according to Erin LaPrad, the BORO program coordinator.
“It was a great idea because the Sugar Shack is all about inclusion and diversity,” LaPrad said. “We want this to be a welcoming spot for the community and for others to think of it for their events.”
The Oct. 16 was organized by a committee of adult volunteers as well as a group of Westborough High School students representing the Student Council and the Best Buddies organization.
“We worked on this for about six weeks,” junior Soham said. “We are really excited how many people were interested in this.
“It’s really the best of both worlds, combining the student council members and Best Buddies,” junior Raaj noted. “It’s was a lot of work but it’s been great doing it.”
