Diwali 2013 - November 2, 2013

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This is the second Diwali - this year from November 3rd to November 7th - that 

I have been in India.  It is probably the major Hindu festival of the year, celebrated

by friends and family with much joy and festivity, firecrackers popping, gift giving 

and wonderful foods, traditional to this time of celebration.  Much like Christmas 

in the Christian world, it is a holiday when those far afield return to their homeland 

to be with their families to maintain traditions.  Diwali, the festival of lights, is

a joyous time, a time of rebirth, hope, and homes are filled with candles and diyas

burning oil to fill the world with brightness.

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Each of the four days of Diwali has a different legend/theme/myth, usually

dealing with the triumph of good over evil and darkness, thus the importance

and significance of light.  Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word "dipavali"

which means "row of lights" and candles and diyas are placed  everywhere in

homes and business.  Fireworks light the heavens and there is a sense of

joy everywhere.

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If you'd like to know a little more about Diwali, check out the links below.  

Happy Diwali to everyone, especially to all of my Hindu and Indian friends in India 

and elsewhere in the world.  I wish you all a happy Diwali filled with all life's blessing 

for you and those you hold dear. At this sacred time, when evil was banished and 

light overcame darkness, I am honored to once again be in India to share in this 

joyous occasion. May the goddess, Lakshmi, bring you, not only material wealth, but 

the wealth of loving family and friends and may the Lord Ganesha constantly remove 

any obstacles that come up in your life.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

http://hinduism.about.com/od/diwalifestivaloflights/a/diwali.htm

I am participating in 

Sundays in My City