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Diwali 2011: 5 Things to Know about the Indian "Festival of Lights"

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES
By Mark Johanson
A boy prepares deyas, or earthen oil lamps, to decorate his house during Divali celebration. Picture taken November 5, 2010.
INDIA - In the midst of India's jam-packed festival calendar, one celebration stands out from the pack as the most dazzling of them all: Diwali, the "Festival of Lights." Here's a look at Diwali customs and traditions as well as a day-by-day look at the typical activities of the five-day celebration: (1) Broadly speaking, Diwali is India's "Festival of Lights" and a joyous celebration that honors the triumph of good over evil; (2) Like all Hindu celebrations, spirituality lies at the heart of Diwali. Two deities in particular play a prominent role in the festivities, Ganesh and Lakshmi; (3) Diwali is predominantly celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains also embrace the celebration; (4) Diwali lasts from Wednesday Oct. 26 to Sunday Oct. 30, 2011; and (5) Also known by the name Deepavali, the festival of Diwali is not just celebrated in India, but in Singapore, Malaysia, and across the globe. [link]
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David Sweet said…
I have never celebrated the Hindu Festival of Lights or "Diwali" but because of the news stories this week, I now know it is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil inside every person. The lights and colors reflect the inner light beyond the body and mind, and it also reflects the blessing which celebrants hope will come to them by their worship of the goddess Laksmi, the goddess of wealth. It is celebrated, as is Christmas by Westerners as one of the most important holidays of the year between mid-October and mid-November depending on the lunar calendar. I hope that one day I will be able to participate in the festival fully as a participant instead of someone who only reads about it in the news. That will require my stepping out of my own comfort zone though. Thank you Tahlib for showcasing it this past week.
Sun Oct 30, 11:31:00 PM EDT
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