Happy Diwali & Happy New Year

Diwali is the most important festival in Indian Dharma. Like almost all of Indian precepts, the message of Diwali is both universal and historical. We take this opportunity to wish Happy Diwali to all our readers.

Diwali or the Sanskrut “Deepavali” literally means a row of lights (Deep = light and Avali = row). As in the case of many Sanskrut words, the word Deepavali was converted into the simpler Diwali for easier pronunciation.

The ancient Rishis or Sages that created Indian Dharma celebrated light both in its physical form and in its spiritual interpretation. This is why one of the oldest Sanskrut invocations says “Tamsor Ma Jyotir Gamaya” or “Lead me from darkness to light”.  The interpretation of light as a illuminating  & purification agent is stated in the Gayatri Mantra, probably one of the oldest Sanskrut invocations, – “Dhiyo Yo Nah Pracho Dayat” or “Illuminate our minds with brightness”.

This is why Diwali is a universal festival that rises above any particular faith or set of beliefs.


   

                                               (Diwali Lamps)                                                      (Kandil or Lantern)


The celebration of Diwali is a joyous and colorful event. Virtually every Indo-global house is lit up by a colorful lantern. Families buy new clothes and gifts for the family members.

Diwali is also the beginning of the New Year in the Indian calendar. Like every Indian festival, Diwali has deep roots in history. Some of the most momentous events in Indian history took place at this time of the lunar calendar. For those interested in the historical and religious aspects of Diwali, a good source of information is the section on Diwali in Wikipedia.

So regardless of your faith, ethnicity, color and national origin, celebrate Diwali this year and may you participate in the Sanskrut invocation:

Sarve Api Sukinah Santu – Let everyone be happy & content
Sarve Santu Niramayah – Let everyone be without trouble
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu – Let everyone perceive only the good & the noble
Ma Kashchit Dukham Apnu Yat – Let no one suffer any sadness or hurt