Glowing Wishes

~Today is Diwali~

Even though it may mean different things to Hindus in different religions, Diwali is the most important festival in India.


Diwali, Divali, or Deepawali is a major Indian and Nepalese festive holiday. In India, Diwali is a time to worship the goddess of wealth, who is known as Lakshmi. Houses are prepared for her arrival by being completely cleaned and white-washed. On the night of the festival, the houses are illuminated by many lights, whether candles, oil lamps or electric bulbs. It is not uncommon for a house to display rows of oil lamps on its roof, on its outer walls and in its yard or garden. It is believed that Lakshmi will not give her blessing to a home that is not illuminated for her welcome. So, decorating home with lights, fireworks, distributing Diwali sweets and gifts, being dressed up within Indian tradition costumes Saree on the special night.

Celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe, as the "Festival of Light", where the lights or lamps signify the uplighting of spiritual darkness and victory of good over the evil within every human being.

For Hindus, Diwali (Deepavali) is not only a festival of lights, but also is a special occasion to worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. For Jains, it is an occasion to remember Lord Mahavira.

The most popular legend associated with Diwali today is the homecoming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest. The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name, Deepawali, or simply shortened as Diwali. While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant esoteric meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".

Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days at the end of Hindu month of Ashwayuja (amanta). It generally occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. For Hindus, it marks the beginning of the year in some Hindu calendars, especially in North India.

Like Diwali,
every tradition is for people
to greet and wish each other,
and spread the feeling of warmth & happiness.