INDIAN HOLIDAY: Diwali, also called Deepawali, a...

INDIAN HOLIDAY: Diwali, also called Deepawali, a major holiday in India, will be observed today at Hindu temples in Chatsworth and Calabasas.

One of the oldest religious holidays, the “Festival of Lights” recalls a story of when the god Rama returned victoriously to the city of Ayodhya and was welcomed by the populace with lighted candles, dancing and the distribution of sweets.

Candles, performing dancers and sweets will be featured at the Hindu Temple and Indian Cultural Center, 21213 Devonshire St., Chatsworth, from 6 to 8 p.m. For information, call (818) 772-6020.

A succession of services will be held between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. today at the Hindu temple, 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road. For information, call (818) 880-5552.

INTERFAITH PANEL: Roman Catholic, Bahai, Mormon and Jewish views of life after death will be discussed by panelists Sunday in a 4 p.m. public forum sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council.

Moderated by Congregationalist pastor Jeff Utter, the panel will feature Atonement Friar Paul Ojibway, Bahai member Burrell Bullock, Mormon Bishop Mardon Lamb and Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben of the Jewish Reconstructionist movement.

The discussion will be at Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd.

FOUNDER RETIRES: The Van Nuys-based Rock of Israel Ministries has announced the retirement of founder Hyman Specter, 75, and the planned move of the Christian-Jewish evangelism organization to Cincinnati in late December.

The 22-year-old ministry, which included a radio program, tracts, books and magazines, will be headed by Specter’s son, Robert, 36, a minister in the Assemblies of God. He most recently served as administrator of the ministry.

ST. ANDREW’S DAY: Scottish music will be featured at two San Fernando Valley churches in observance of St. Andrew’s Day.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 7136 Winnetka Ave., Canoga Park, will present its annual Bagpipe Mass and Scottish Festival on Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. Call (818) 348-1419 for information.

On Nov. 21, the Kirk O’ the Valley Presbyterian Church, 19620 Vanowen St., Reseda, will hold a traditional Scottish service at 10 a.m. featuring a pipe and drum band, highland dancers and the Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles. For information, call (818) 345-2535.

HOME CARE: Rabbi Leonard Lewy of the Visiting Nurse Assn.’s Hospice in the Home program will talk about home care provisions in the Clinton Administration’s health reform plan in a Clergy Network luncheon address Wednesday in Reseda.

The event begins at 11:45 a.m. at the Woodland Care Center, 7120 Corbin Ave. For reservations, call (818) 225-8125.

News and announcements for this column may be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, CA. 91311.