MTS Deepavali 2025: A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Tradition

by Adithi Ramanathan

Deepavali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals across the globe, and every culture adds its own story, color, and significance to this festival of lights. This diversity is reflected not only in how people celebrate but also in the emotions the day evokes—joy, renewal, hope, and togetherness.

Massachusetts Tamil Sangam (MTS) celebrated Deepavali 2025 on Saturday, October 25th at Keefe Tech Regional High School, Framingham, and the day carried a spirit that was truly unique—one that cannot be replicated. It blended the joy of festivity, the excitement of performers, the anticipation of a day full of cultural experiences, and, above all, the warmth of a community coming together.

From the moment attendees stepped inside, they were welcomed by friendly volunteers and handed a neatly prepared brochure outlining the events of the day. The careful planning and thoughtful arrangements were instantly evident, promising everyone a memorable experience.

The hallway buzzed with energy as it was lined with diverse stalls—ranging from clothing boutiques to jewelry, home décor, and even real estate. Each stall had something eye-catching, whether it was a vibrant display of traditional dresses, sparkling accessories, or simply a bowl of candy that brought smiles to young visitors.

The celebration began with a traditional banana leaf lunch, making its debut at an MTS Deepavali event. The elaborate spread catered generously to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests. Heartfelt appreciation goes to Shiva’s Kitchen and the dedicated volunteers who made this delightful culinary experience possible.

Following lunch, the program commenced with Thamizh Thai Vazhthu rendered by the committee members. The stage, adorned in simple yet elegant décor, set the perfect tone for the cultural sequences that followed. Young talents graced the stage first with Bharathanatyam, followed by soulful singing and musical instrument performances that showcased the dedication and creativity of the community’s youth.

It was a heartwarming gesture by the Rhode Island Tamil Sangam delegates to personally visit and extend their best wishes to the MTS committee and members, congratulating them on the successful event.

After a short intermission, the audience enjoyed a mesmerizing light music program by local New England artists. Their calming, melodious voices filled the hall, taking many on a nostalgic journey through beloved tunes from the ’80s and ’90s.

A particularly enriching moment of the evening was a speech by Dr. Sundar, who spoke about the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and the Thirumandiram, a profound work by the

Tamil Siddhar Thirumoolar. His talk left the audience inspired, highlighting yet again the depth of Tamil culture and its scholarly contributions to health and medicine.

The event continued with the introduction of the MTS committee members, followed by a special recognition of Mrs. Saritha Venkatesh, Former President of MTS, for her ongoing dedication and service to the community. Kalaimagal Tamil School and Acton Tamil School were also honored for their invaluable role in passing on Tamil language and heritage to the younger generation.

One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the Silambam performance by students trained under Master Arshayan Sivamani and Master Daniksha Sivamani, disciples of Mr. Sivamani. Their mastery of Tamil Nadu’s ancient martial art was nothing short of spectacular—each movement executed with precision and strength. The hall erupted in applause as they concluded their stunning routine.

To wrap up the cultural lineup, the final segment featured non-classical dance performances that brought boundless energy to the room. Though light-hearted in spirit, the performances displayed remarkable dedication and talent. Their infectious enthusiasm soon spread to the audience—leading to an impromptu open dance floor where participants and attendees joyfully danced to recent hit Tamil songs.

In every sense, the MTS Deepavali 2025 celebration was a vibrant, meaningful, and memorable event—an occasion that offered something special for everyone. The success of the day was a reflection of meticulous planning, delicious food, and extraordinary talent within the community.

Sincere thanks to the MTS committee members, volunteers, sponsors, and valued members who made this day truly shine. Special appreciation also goes to: Mr. Vidyaprakash and Mr. Saranath Rangamannar for photography, Mr. Selvaraj for videography, and Ms. Indu Subramanian, Dr. Meena Sundaram, Mr. Sankar Gangaikondon, and Mr. Raghu Saranathan for their contributions to the light music segment.

Finally, hearty congratulations and gratitude to the new MTS President for 2025–2027, Mr. Manoharan Ganapathy, for leading a successful Deepavali celebration—along with his dedicated committee:
Ms. Tanya Desigan, Mr. Suresh Kumar Periyasamy, Mr. Karthikeyan Arunachalam, Mr. Jothiprasad Selvaraj, Ms. Raji Ram, Ms. Rampriya Bala, Mr. Tilak Kannan, Mr. Navin Loganathan, Ms. Aarthi Krishnakumar, Ms. Amritha Lincy Vigil, Ms. Sivasankari Murugesan, and Dr. Saritha Venkatesh.

Just like all MTS members, I too eagerly look forward to the Pongal event in January 2026, where our community will once again gather to celebrate tradition, culture, and unity.