Just About Everything

Diwali (the festival of lights) is a wonderful time when every home, every street, every city in India is lit up with lights, and every heart glows with warmth within. My wish this Diwali is for a world full of compassion, love, patience, joy,...a world where each of us feels safe, respected, and accepted.  May this Diwali: Bring you Joy Bathe you with Love  Immerse you in peace Touch you with kindness Greet you with laughter Bring good health and fortune Bring out your caring and giving self Bring out the best in you Happy Diwali !

Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated all over India. I love this time of the year because not only does the weather start getting cooler, there is positive energy everywhere.  Interestingly, even though this festival is celebrated all over India, there is a subtle difference in how and why Diwali is celebrated in different parts of India. In north India, it is believed that on this day, Rama's returned to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and diyas were lit in order to welcome Rama. For Jains, diwali is a celebration in honour of Mahavira who attained nirvana on this day. On this auspicious day Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped. Since diwali marks the end of harvert season, people seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for a prosperous year ahead. In Bengal, Diwali is better known as Kali puja. Goddess Kali is worshiped on this new moon day.  In Bengal, on the day before Diwali there is a tradition of lighting up 14 candles...