Shubh Divali!

[Setnusutekh]

Shubh Divali everyone!

Around now, is the Hindu celebration of light over darkness, heralded by prayers, clean houses, little earthenware oil lamps and lots and lots of food (yay!)

Today is the Divali holiday in Trinidad, and non-Hindus and Hindus alike are doing some serious last minute cleaning, cooking sweets to give out, and generally preparing for the lighting of deyas (oil lamps) tonight. (Which might be soured by our State of Emergency's curfew...but let's not go there )

It's the general belief that Mother Lakshmi passes through the house (hence, people clean houses and light lamps to prepare for Her) and She reigns Her blessings down on them. Also, it's a morale booster, of sorts, showing that darkness and evil have bowed to light and justice, which, being a crime ridden island, we really need to hear sometimes.

The entire story behind Divali (the popular spellings are Diwali, or Deepavali) can be found on the web, I think Wiki is generally correct on it. It's basically the return of Lord Rama, after his exile, where he was heralded home by rows of lit deyas. Also is the killing of the demon Narakasura, and the defeat of Indra by Lord Krishna.

Being from a nation so ravaged by crime, and considering my indian heritage, this has always been a powerful holiday for me, even being a non-Hindu.

Is anyone doing anything for Divali? I know the British Prime Minister, as well as President Obama light deyas and have a small puja in commemoration of it (which I find is a nice gesture). In any case, I hope everyone has a safe Divali, and may Mother Lakshmi bring you peace and happiness

[RandallS]

Is anyone doing anything for Divali? I know the British Prime Minister, as well as President Obama light deyas and have a small puja in commemoration of it (which I find is a nice gesture). In any case, I hope everyone has a safe Divali, and may Mother Lakshmi bring you peace and happiness

The holiday is practically unknown in the US (outside of our Hindu community, at least). Unfortunately.

[Setnusutekh]

The holiday is practically unknown in the US (outside of our Hindu community, at least). Unfortunately.

Yeah, I expected as much. It's unfortunate, but altogether not surprising.
I am wondering though, if the pagan community might be more likely to be knowledgeable, even in a general sense about it, or just Hinduism? I know some of our members have ties to Ganesh, and if I recall, one doing a sort of Hindu-influenced path.

It's such a wonderful holiday though (Half of my enthusiasm is the food, I'm banking on it.)

[RandallS]

I am wondering though, if the pagan community might be more likely to be knowledgeable, even in a general sense about it, or just Hinduism? I know some of our members have ties to Ganesh, and if I recall, one doing a sort of Hindu-influenced path.

Some Pagans might be more knowledgeable, but in my experience very few Pagans in the US really know much about Hinduism.

It's such a wonderful holiday though (Half of my enthusiasm is the food, I'm banking on it.)

LOL. Well, IMHO, food is a wonderful reason to celebrate many holidays.

[Darkhawk]

Some Pagans might be more knowledgeable, but in my experience very few Pagans in the US really know much about Hinduism.

I totally made a shopkeeper's day once by making an offhand joke about Ganesha's chocolates stash. It's not like Ganesha liking sweets is an obscure thing.

[sephira]

Shubh Divali everyone!


Is anyone doing anything for Divali?

Yes, I have been to temple for Dhanteras, Lakshmi Pooja, Deepawali and the New Year's celebrations. I was very lucky because this was first time celebrating the holiday and I was welcomed with open arms! I have been invited to come back for Annakoot on Sunday. So Happy Diwail Setnusutekh! Happy Diwali everyone! May Lakshmi grant you a very fruitful and prosperous New Year!

[SatAset]

Shubh Divali everyone!

In any case, I hope everyone has a safe Divali, and may Mother Lakshmi bring you peace and happiness

Happy Divali!

How do you pronounce Divali?

I'm reading more about Lakshmi now, thanks to your post.

[Setnusutekh]

Happy Divali!

How do you pronounce Divali?



I'm reading more about Lakshmi now, thanks to your post.

It's pronounced DEE-wa-lee

I'm glad to hear that you're reading more about Mother Lakshmi, my work with her over my childhood has always been an utterly calm, motherly presence, and just one of indescribable goodness.