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| Diwali
- the Hindu festival of lights
One of the origin stories for Diwali is a classic story of good prevailing over evil; of light conquering darkness. It is the story of the prince Rama, and it comes from the voluminous epic Ramayana written by the Hindu sage Valmiki. You can hear the story of Rama as told by Anuradha Naimpally along with musical accompaniment, and you can also read along with Anuradha here. Diwali customs: Diwali (roughly dee va lee) is the Hindu festival of lights that lasts for five days beginning sometime around late October/early November. To celebrate, Hindus begin Diwali by cleaning and purifying themselves and their surrounding. Special baths may be taken along with oil massages for family members. The houses are cleaned and whitewashed from top to bottom which, other than being a generally purifying act, serves as an invocation to Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth.
Small clay lamps are lit and placed along the side of every home, illuminating much of India in a beautiful soft white glow. Multicolored firecrackers add to the radiance as do the bright, new clothing the Hindu people often wear for this occasion. Gifts are given to family and friends as everywhere can be seen the promise of Rama's victory and hope for peace and prosperity in the upcoming year.
Mmmmm... Check out this Diwali recipe for Sweet Almond Milk.
Diwali Links There is so much more info about Diwali out there. Go to our Diwali links and start searching! |
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