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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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