Parker Jewish Institute celebrates Diwali

Parker Jewish Institute hosted a virtual Diwali celebration for residents and their families on November 11.

Diwali is the festival of lights and is said to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment.

This year’s celebration featured devotional songs, music and dance. Spiritual and motivational speeches were given by Narinder Kapoor ji and Madhu Kumar ji. Devotional songs were performed by Vijay Shah ji, Anil Dua ji, and Jyoti Gupta ji. Dances were performed by Siddhi Vaishnav and poetry was shared by Anju Sharma ji, Sushma Malhotra ji and Shalini Bansal ji. Diyas, or small lamps for Diwali, and tasty treats added to the festivities.

“It is always wonderful to celebrate Diwali and other important festivals,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s President and CEO said. “Our online celebration is one more way that Parker brings people together, from our residents and patients, as well as families and staff.”

Parker’s specialized Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind serving East and West Indian older adults who reside in Nassau and Queens Counties. It is staffed by Indian physicians and nursing staff who are fluent in Indian languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi and Punjabi, among others.

The unit is adorned with Indian-inspired artwork and décor. Activities and entertainment include music, TV, movies, newspapers and religious services so that patients remain connected to their traditional lifestyle in a healing environment.