...or as we'd say in Singapore, "Deepavali" from Sanskrit (Deepa=light and Avali=row, or "row of lights"). Today is the 3rd of a 5-day festival celebrated by Hindus -- and also Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists -- in India and around the world. Folks celebrate this festive day (and new moon night) with special prayers, new clothes, sweets, visits with family and friends, colorful lights, and fireworks. **FUN!!**Diwali is significant in many ways, including a time to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, to seek and thank her for blessings and prosperity. One version of the festival's origin tells the story of Lord Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu) returning to the capital of his kingdom, Ayodhya, after slaying the demon king Ravana; and how his people lit oil lamps to welcome and guide him home through the darkness.
A special shout out my buddies SKrish, GBK, and your families!
2 comments:
Hey, yeah! I remember my first G.V. trip in Fiji & it was the tail-end of Diwali. The lights & fireworks greeted us on our 1st night in Nadi...(we thought it was just for us ;) Gorgeous, tho -- as you say, a wonderful holiday! c.
Thanks for the timely blog - gave me good cover here in India - A
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