Diwali on Nov. 1

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

 

Since through our kundalini quest we are partaking of an important

aspect of Indian tradition and spirituality, I thought I should alert

you to the fact that next Tuesday (Nov. 1) is Diwali--one of the most

popular Hindu festivals, and certainly a very beautiful one. In many

parts of India, Diwali is associated with inviting Goddess into one's

home by lighting diyas (small oil lamps) and candles right before

sunset. For those who are not familiar with the holiday, here is a

little blurb I got from the web:

 

Diwali

This is perhaps the most well-known of the Indian festivals: it is

celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities

throughout the diaspora. It usually takes place eighteen days after

Dusshera. It is colloquially known as the " festival of lights " , for

the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and

place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as

well as on roof-tops and outer walls. In urban areas, especially,

candles are substituted for diyas; and among the nouveau riche, neon

lights are made to substitute for candles. The celebration of the

festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the

explosion of fireworks. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali

signifies many different things to people across the country. In north

India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming, that is his return to

Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king; in

Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in

Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it

signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear

new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the

approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.

 

May your Diwali be full of light, joy, and peace.

 

Namaste,

 

Sel