The Henrietta Hankin Branch of the Chester County Library will host a virtual educational program about Diwali on Friday, Nov. 5 from 7-8 PM.

Dr. Preetha Kesari will explain what Diwali is, how it is celebrated all over the world, and what it symbolizes to the Indian population. This will include descriptions of origin stories from Hindu mythology and progress to explain Diwali’s current economic and political significance.

Born and raised in India, Dr. Kesari came to the U.S. in 1988 to pursue a degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She has been practicing dentistry in Chester County since graduating in 1992. Having celebrated Diwali her entire life, Dr. Kesari is very passionate about educating those in her community about this special celebration.

In addition to her medical career and raising a family, Dr. Kesari enjoys doing pottery and creating porcelain sculptures for her nonprofit, Supreeti Creations. Following her presentation and a question-and-answer period, she will share her pottery and crafting skills to lead participants through a demonstration of traditional techniques for decorating diyas, the oil lamps made from clay often used as part of the celebration of Diwali.

Registered participants can stop by the Reference Desk at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library to pick up a craft kit consisting of a clay diya made by Dr. Kesari and painting supplies. These craft kits will be available in the week preceding the program — from Friday, Oct. 29 through Friday, Nov. 5 — while supplies last.

Register for this event.