The Radha Krishna Temple in Allen opens six days of Diwali programming Thursday, Nov. 5, with thousands of clay lamps, cultural performances and five nights of fireworks at 1450 N. Watters Road.

The main festival days of the temple's Diwali Mahotsav run Nov. 5 through Tuesday, Nov. 10, according to the temple's official event page. Attendance is free and open to all, though the temple recommends registering online for planning purposes.

The centerpiece arrives Saturday, Nov. 7, when families gather in the temple courtyard at 6 p.m. to light 11,111 diyas. The temple's blog describes the clay lamps arranged into lotuses and the sacred Om symbol, each one offered by a different family.

That same evening at 5 p.m., the Diwali Leela brings the Ramayan story to life on stage with costumes, music and dance.

Swami Mukundananda satsang

Swami Mukundananda leads a special Diwali satsang Sunday, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m. The session focuses on the deeper meaning of the Festival of Lights and is open to all.

Sunday is also the main Diwali night. The temple's Sri Dhanalakshmi/Mahalakshmi Pooja begins at 5:15 p.m.

Govardhan Pooja and Annakoot

On Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m., the temple holds Govardhan Pooja and the Annakoot, a mountain of food offered to Lord Krishna and then shared with attendees as Mahaprasad. The temple asks participants to sign up and bring non-perishable items such as dry goods, sweets, savory snacks, fruits or nuts.

The festival closes Tuesday, Nov. 10, with Bhai Dooj.

Fireworks, concert and open stage

Fireworks go off at 8 p.m. each night from Nov. 5 through Monday, Nov. 9, with grand fireworks shows on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. City-approved sparklers are available at the temple for children. No outside fireworks are allowed.

A Bhajan Clubbing Concert on Friday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m. is the only ticketed event at $5 per person. An open stage on Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. invites community members to sing, dance, play or recite.

Food drive and vendor booths

The temple is also running a Diwali food drive in collaboration with Sewa Diwali through Nov. 20. Accepted donations include peanut butter, canned soups, rice, pasta, cooking oil and canned fruits and vegetables. Drop-off is at the temple.

Vendor booths featuring clothing, jewelry, festive décor and food are open for applications through Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Diwali Mahotsav schedule at a glance

  • Thursday, Nov. 5: Festival opens; fireworks at 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 6: Bhajan Clubbing Concert, 6:30 p.m. ($5); fireworks at 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 7: Open stage, 1 p.m.; Diwali Leela, 5 p.m.; 11,111 diya lighting, 6 p.m.; grand fireworks, 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 8: Diwali satsang with Swami Mukundananda, 10:30 a.m.; Lakshmi Pooja, 5:15 p.m.; grand fireworks, 8 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 9: Govardhan Pooja and Annakoot, 6 p.m.; fireworks at 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 10: Bhai Dooj