SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Hindu Cultural and Educational Center
1960 E. Army Post Rd, Des Moines
Navaratri
Navaratri is a nine-night Hindu festival worshipping nine different forms of the Goddess Durga. For our site visit, we will join the Hindu Cultural and Educational Center for a bhajan, including songs and dances for different Hindu deities. The bhajan will conclude with aarti (offering of flame to the gods) and prashad (meal of blessed foods).
Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes, and avoid pointing outstretched legs at holy objects or people.
This event is part of the “Meet My Religious Neighbor” series, which is co-programmed with CultureALL, the Des Moines Area Religious Council, and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
10:00 AM
Wat Lao Buddhavath (Lao Buddhist temple)
1804 E Park Ave, Des Moines
Boun Ok Phansa
Boun Ok Phansa is an annual holiday that celebrates the end of the three-month rain retreat (Vassa), during which time Theravada Buddhist monks traditionally remained indoors at a single location (during the monsoon season) to devote themselves to study and meditation.
The event will include chanting, prayers, and an offering of food to the monks (tak bat).
Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes upon entry, and avoid pointing outstretched legs at holy objects or people.
This event is part of the “Meet My Religious Neighbor” series, which is co-programmed with CultureALL, the Des Moines Area Religious Council, and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. | 
