Source: The Hartford Courant

On November 12, 2001, The Hartford Courant reported that "Indian graduate students from the University of Hartford are working with members of a Hindu temple in Middletown to share their celebration, called Diwali...Diwali represents a cross-section of the diverse elements of Indian culture...In the past, the program for Diwali has been designed to appeal to an Indian audience, but the focus has changed...This year, organizers wanted to create more of a multicultural event...Local dignitaries have been invited to attend, and students from colleges across New England are scheduled to perform dances and other entertainment."