MACON, Ga. — Members of Umiya Mataji Mandir gather this time of year to celebrate one the biggest event of the season - Diwali - a five-day event known as the Festival of Lights.
Meera Panchal says she feels very proud of her temple community this time of year.
"I grew up very connected to my culture, its values, its traditions, its festivals. Diwali is known as a festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness," Panchal said. "It builds a better sense of community within us, it brings differences away and people come together."
This is the second year the temple is hosting a Diwali food drive, but it's their first time teaming up with the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank to give back to the community.
Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller and Middle Georgia Community Food Bank President and CEO Kathy McCollum were there for the presentation.
"I've been at the food bank for four years, four and a half years now and this is the first Diwali-specific donation that we've gotten," McCollum said. "How wonderful that we've got so many different faith communities who are concerned about their neighbors and donating food."
Adam Patel is one of the founding members of Umiya Mataji Mandir.
"It's the biggest event for Hindu culture. We want to make a tradition and improve every year," Patel said.
He says the temple matched every donation they received from their members, totaling $4,000 worth of items donated to the food bank.
On Tuesday, they celebrated Tulsi Vivah, but Patel says they always work to preserve their culture for future generations.
"That's our focus in our life. I have seen it, I've been involved in the community for a long time... to make sure the kids have a brighter future," Patel said. "We want to preserve some of that. And this is a try for that."