A unique photo exhibition on Indian religious traditions in the United States at American Center sheds new light on shared values
Harvard University students have been celebrating Holi on campus since 1998. In Texas, the Indian-American Muslim Association of Greater Houston sponsored and participated in the International Yoga day in 2015. These images are testimony to the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States which had an intersting spinoff over the weekend. The American Center hosted a photo exhibition highlighting how Indian faiths had flourished across America and illustrating how individuals and communities practised their traditions and celebrated their dissimilarities.
The organisers of Keeping Faith asked communities all over America to share images that demonstrate the warmth and spirit of their people. Such was the response that the US embassy and its partners were flabbergasted with the diversity and the beauty of the communities.
US Embassy Charge d’ Affairs Mary Kay Carlson, who inaugurated the exhibit, said, “Indian-American communities practise the same rich array of traditions that their families celebrate here, and they are joined by many other Americans as well. India has seen the thriving of the world’s great religions: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Christianity. All are well-represented and practised widely across the United States as reflected in this exhibition.
“As you go through the exhibit, you will see beautiful photos of Jains in Northern California celebrating Paryushana, Hindus in New England celebrating the consecration of the area’s first Hindu temple, Sikhs in los Angeles gathering to observe Baisakhi, students at Harvard celebrating Holi and Muslims preparing themselves for prayer at the Islamic Center of Boston. For me, these images distill the essence of American pluralism and diversity.
“From Massachusetts to Hawai; California to Florida, the contribution of Indian-Americans to the American experience through religion highlights not only India’s deep influence in US society, but also our commitment to democratic ideals, religious freedom and diversity. I hope this display leads to deeper understanding and appreciation of the wonderful influence India has had on the United States. The more our two countries share in the practice of our ideals, the more we can work together to show the world our common commitment to engender tolerance toward all religions, allowing them to flourish with dignity and freedom.”