Happy Diwali ..to my Indian brother and sisters

[almaty 19]

Diwali (or Deepavali) is a major Indian holiday, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. [3] Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. Diwali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the month Kartika.[4]

In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of Lord Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest, after he defeated the evil Ravana.[5] The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deeva), thus its name: Deepavali. This word, in due course, became Diwali in Hindi. But, in South Indian languages, the word did not undergo any change, and hence the festival is called Deepavali in southern India. There are many different observances of the holiday across India.

Jainism marks Diwali as the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on 15 October, 527 BCE.

Among the Sikhs, Diwali came to have special significance from the day the town of Amritsar was illuminated on the return to it of Guru Hargobind (1595-1644) who had been held captive in the Fort at Gwalior under the orders of the Mughal emperor, Jahangir (1570-1627). As the sixth Guru (teacher) of Sikhism, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment - along with 53 Hindu Kings (who were held as political prisoners) whom the Guru had arranged to be released as well. After his release he went to the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) in the holy city of Amritsar, where he was welcomed in happiness by the people who lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru. Because of this, Sikhs often refer to Diwali also as Bandi Chhorh Divas - "the day of release of detainees."

The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists.

In India, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.[6]

[Welshcookie 17]

[Mags 112]

Where I lived in London we always had Diwali lights up - it was so pretty. Happy Diwali, all.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Thanks Dean.... you too....

[trailmix 77]

I came across this picture in The Calgary Herald this morning - happy Diwali!

The holy Sikh shrine of Golden Temple is illuminated on the eve of Diwali festival in the northern Indian city of Amritsar October 27, 2008.

REUTERS/Munish Sharma

Edited October 28, 2008 by trailmix

[one...two...tree 2,762]

"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

--Edith Wharton

[almaty 19]

great saying brother stevie...

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

--Edith Wharton

why not just flip the light switch?

[thetreble 19]

Wow..that picture is so pretty. I'd love to see something like that.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

--Edith Wharton

why not just flip the light switch?

it's allegorical

[Imua 0]

In Nepal they call it Tihar - my ILs are doing Lakshmi puja at home and I wish I could be there...

On this day you can eat all the sweets you like and not feel guilty, LOL...

[Sister Fracas 5]

We are celebrating Diwali tonight in the Little India neighborhood...YAY! The atmosphere is great and I can't wait to go to the sweet shop! heeheehee

Happy Diwali!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

On this day you can eat all the sweets you like and not feel guilty, LOL...

Gain enough weight and that day can be every day! I am living proof it works!

[Sister Fracas 5]

In Nepal they call it Tihar - my ILs are doing Lakshmi puja at home and I wish I could be there...

On this day you can eat all the sweets you like and not feel guilty, LOL...

Hiya Pattu!!!

I love your tag line... hehe

Hubster and I went to one of only two Nepalese restaurants that we really love here and I just die for the momos.

[Imua 0]

In Nepal they call it Tihar - my ILs are doing Lakshmi puja at home and I wish I could be there...

On this day you can eat all the sweets you like and not feel guilty, LOL...

Hiya Pattu!!!

I love your tag line... hehe

Hubster and I went to one of only two Nepalese restaurants that we really love here and I just die for the momos.

Aren't they yummy??? I like paneer and mushroom momos the best, steamed is good but best is if they are sauteed in chili sauce with onions and peppers - one day I am promising I will make them from scratch and when Govi gets here hopefully I will have perfected my momo-making skills.