Every year, around October or November, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide celebrate Diwali. Also referred to as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, the five-day event, whose exact date is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, dates back over 2,500 years. Hence, it should come as no surprise that Diwali, which will be commemorated from November 5 to November 9 this year, is India’s biggest and most significant holiday.

The fun begins with Dhanteras, which is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Kubera, the two deities of wealth. To celebrate the occasion, worshippers pray for the prosperity, success, and well-being of their loved ones. They also welcome the two gods into their homes and businesses by decorating entrances with colorful lanterns and traditional temporary designs, or rangolis, created using materials like colored rice, lentils, flowers, and powder. Since making a purchase on this day is considered auspicious, many people head to the neighborhood shopping areas to treat themselves to beautiful jewelry, clothing, or household goods.

The second day of the festival is known as Kali Chaudas, or Narak Chaturdashi. For some, it is a day to abolish laziness and drive away demons or evil spirits from homes with traditional rituals. Others think of it as “Choti (small) Diwali” and use it as an excuse to start the festival celebrations early with feasts and fireworks. Regardless of their beliefs, everyone looks forward to Diwali which is observed on the third day.

Diwali celebrations begin early with a visit to a place of worship, such as a temple, to seek the blessings of the deities. After that, families and friends get together to exchange gifts and sweets. Those not satisfied with their shopping haul on the first day of the festival head to the malls to purchase additional items. As the sun sets, festival observers worldwide light up their homes with glittering diyas (small oil lamps) and share scrumptious, traditional food with their loved ones. For the residents of India, the real fun begins late in the evening when entire neighborhoods take to the streets to light up the skies with colorful fireworks. While the young revelers seek out sparklers, teens and adults prefer to light up bigger illuminations. The spectacular show continues until every last firecracker has exploded.

The folklore behind the origin of this ancient festival differ depending on the state. Some believe that Diwali was first celebrated by the residents of Ayodhya to mark the return of their king Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakhsmana, after a 14-year-long exile imposed by the king’s mother. Others believe it began following the taming of a goddess who, unable to control demons through conventional warfare, began a rampage that threatened to not only destroy the evil spirits, but also wipe out every living creature on Earth. It was only after her husband, Lord Shiva, intervened that she came to her senses and stopped. Though the tales may vary, they all celebrate the victory of good over evil!

For the residents of the western states of India like Gujarat, Diwali marks the end of the calendar year. On Thursday, November 8, they will welcome the first day of the year 2075. The 57-year gap between the Hindu and more familiar Gregorian calendar is due to their use of shorter lunar cycles. In the Northern state of India, the day is widely celebrated as Govardhan Pooja in honor of Hindu god Lord Krishna. The fifth and final day of the festival, celebrated by all, has been set aside to honor the bond between brothers and sisters and is celebrated with more delicious food and prayers.

For children in India, Diwali is similar to Christmas. In addition to a week off from school, they are also treated to gifts, new clothes, fantastic food, and fireworks. It is no wonder that the festival ranks high among the country’s favorite celebrations.

Resources: About.com, BBCnews.com, huffingtonpost.com, in.lifestyle.yahoo.com

The festival of Devali is celebrated by Hindus with a religious fervor and enthusiasm. The history of the festival is associated with the ancient folklore. According to Hindu scripture during ‘Treta yug’ (initial period of tr world), Dasrath Ram the king of Audhiya exiled his son Shri Ram for fourteen years to jungle enticed by his youngest wife Rani Kekaai.

Rani Kekkai, opposing the title of Ram as crown prince insisted the king to exile him to wilderness because as his step mother she didn’t want him as next king of sultanate. His wife Sita and brother Laxman accompanied him

During a war Rani Kekaai had saved the king’s life and in return Dasrath Ram gave her a vachan (promise) that she could demand anything of him and he won’t refuse. The story goes on to show how Rani Kekkai, opposing the title of Shri Ram as crown prince insisted Dasrath Ram exile him because has is step mother she didn’t want him as next king of sultanate.

When Shri Ram who is the avatar of Vishnu Bhugwan was sent to jungle for fourteen years exile his wife Sita and brother Laxman accompanied him. In the period of exile Sita was kidnapped by a Rakhshas (evil) and later rescued by Ram with the help of Hanomaan (Monkey God).

According to Hindu scripture the fourteen years period of exile was difficult and challenging for Shri Ram, Sita and Laxman but they survived with great patience. After the completion of te exile when Shri Ram came back to his kingdom. The people of the kingdom warmly welcomed him. They came out of their houses and they lit earthen lamps on his way to welcome the loving prince of Audhyia.

The festivities of Devali start a night earlier among the Cholistani Hindu Tribes. At the night of Devali the brightness of earthen lamps can be seen everywhere in desert, it creates a dramatic and inspiring scene in the desert. Most of the people of desert set the earthen lamps on their top of the roof’s wall which look beautiful. Some of Cholistani Hindus also practice vart (fasting) for blessing and prosperity.

At the night of devali the Bhils and Megwals people come out from their houses in the form of a procession with handmade mashals. they take long sticks and tie a piece of cloth on the end usually the piece of cloth is dipped in oil for long lasting fire. Some fix the candles on the end of sticks. During the festivity they move street to street then to nearby temple or open desert by singing religious songs.

In the lights of Devali every face looks is glowing and beautiful. After their festivities they fix their mashals around the temple or in open desert to say a warm welcome to Shri Ram G in his kingdom however the practice of Hindus who are residing in city areas can be differ. They prepare sweet dishes on the festival and avoid cooking meat on the festival.

Like other festivals the ancient Hindu tribes of Cholistan wear new clothes and exchange gifts with each other ,they distribute sweet dishes to the neighbors they also invite each other to share joy and happiness. They feed each other on this event this is also observed that a guest cannot take food by his own hand rather they come one by one and feed the guest. In Megeal tribe they specify a place where every family sends some food and each member of every house participates in this feast. The lunch does not start even a single participant is reached there.

Like other festivals the ancient Hindu tribes of Cholistan wear new clothes and exchange gifts with each other ,they distribute sweet dishes to the neighbors they also invite each other to share joy and happiness

The brightness of earthen lamps shows the victory over darkness. The message of devali is actually to create harmony, tolerance, love, obedience and commitment. In this associated folklore it shows how a husband (king) was committed with a given vachan(promise)| to his wife. He completed his vachan and sent his son to jungle for fourteen years exile. Here the obedience of son is also remarkable who accepted the order of his father king and happily agreed to go to jungle for exile. Shri Ram did not argue with father or mother in this connection and did whatever is said to him. It shows that how faithful, loyal and obedient son he was.

The festival also shows the unconditional love of Ram’s brother Laxman and wife Sita who accompanied him in this hard time. The great message of devali teaches the love, respect of elders and obedience. Happy Divali.

Published in Daily Times, November 6^th 2018.

Devotees fast during the day and hold vigils during the night for the auspicious event.

MANSEHRA: At the stroke of midnight on the 13th day of Phalguna, the twelfth month of the Hindu calendar, Hindus all around the world remember Lord Shiva.

The three-day festival of Shivratri or Great Night of Shiva usually falls between mid-February and early March. It is supposed to fall on a moonless night when Hindus offer a special prayer to Shiva. It is said to be the night when Shiva performed the Tandaya Nritya or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.

In Khyber-Paktunkhwa (K-P), the Hindus gather in a small mandir, which looks much like a house built over 13 marlas, about 30 minutes away from Mansehra in Chiti Gati Gandiyan to celebrate Shivratri.

As one of the most auspicious events of the religion, devotees fast during the day and hold vigils during the night.

This year, like the last, security has been tight. Over 700 families from Punjab, K-P, Sindh, Hazara division and a few others from the United Kingdom thronged the streets of Chiti Gati Gandiyan’s Shiv temple.

On Thursday morning, the devotees performed a ritual where Shiva was bathed with milk and honey. In the evening, they carried out a mehndi and sehra bandi where young, unmarried girls prayed for wedlock and married women asked for Shiva’s blessing, children and the wellbeing of their husband and sons.

The temple reverberated with the sound of bells and shouts of “Shankerji ki jai”. Devotees walked around the lingam, a mark which represents Shiva, three or seven times and then poured water over it; some poured milk.

According to the pundit, Darshan Lal Pujari, a special pooja will be held at 11am on Friday (today) with pundits coming in from Kohat, Peshawar and other parts of the country. After the pooja, prashad will be distributed among the devotees at noon to mark the end of the festival.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Pujari said that the security arrangements were done well and the local community gave their support and made it possible to celebrate Shivratri.

The legend

According to the Puranas, an ancient Hindu text, during the Samudra Manthan or the churning of the milky ocean, a pot of poison came out of the ocean which the gods and demons were terrified to touch or drink it in fear that it might destroy the entire world. They went to Shiva for help and in order to protect the world, he drank the poison. But instead of swallowing it, he held it in his throat. This turned his throat blue and he became known as Nilkantha, or the blue-throated one. It is said that the poison was so deadly that even a drop in his stomach, which is said to represent the universe, would have annihilated the entire world.

Shivratri is a way of celebrating and thanking Shiva for protecting the world from destruction.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2014.

Yatrees enter Pakistan via Wagah border. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK / EXPRESS

LAHORE: 

“We have received a lot of love here,” Aruna Gupta said.  Somehow, the exhaustion of having travelled by foot across the border to Pakistan from India seems lesser, as the happy pilgrim thanked the Pakistan government for giving them special care. She doesn’t feel unsafe.

A group of the 158-member Hindu yatrees (pilgrims) from different cities of India arrived here in Pakistan through Wagah border on foot. After their stay at Gurdawara Dera Sahib in Lahore, they will visit Katasraj, a complex of ancient Hindu temples situated in Katas village of Chakwal district, to perform religious rituals. At the Katasraj, the Indian yatrees will offer special pooja (prayer) on the eve of Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Lord Shiva which occurs between the 13th and 14th of the month of Phalguna or Maagh, according to the Hindu calendar in the Krishna Paksha.

This year, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Thursday February 27, with all temples being decorated in colourful ways. The Hindu yatrees from Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Rahimyar Khan and some parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh are also reaching Katasraj to celebrate the sacred occasion at this holy place of the Sanatan Dharma, considered one of the world’s oldest religions.

“In Pakistan, people do have the liberty to perform religious rituals and places of worship like churches, temples and gurdwaras are secure,” said Amarnath Randhawa, a local Hindu leader who is heading a 40 member delegation of yatrees from Lahore. Appreciating arrangements of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, he said that Hindus will pray for peace and prosperity in Pakistan after their pooja at the sacred temple complex. “Pakistan is our country and we always pray for it,” he said.

Last year, around 200 Indian yatrees celebrated the Maha Shivratri at the Katasraj which houses the Satgraha, a group of seven ancient temples, remains of a Buddhist place of meditation, a few medieval temples, havelis and some recently-constructed temples, scattered around a pond considered holy by Hindus.

On Maha Shivratri, people often fast on the night of Shivratri and sing hymns of praise in the name of Lord Shiva, said Heera Lal, a 60-year-old Hindu citizen from Lahore who is also ready to go to Katasraj.

Amarnath told The Express Tribune that Hindus offer night-long prayers on Maha Shivratri. “Very early morning, devotees flock to Shiva temples to perform the traditional Shivalinga worship and hence hope for favours from the Lord,” he said. On this eve, devotees bathe at sunrise, preferably with water from a holy water source like Gangajal or Katasjal. “This is a rite of purification, which is an important part of all Hindu festivals,” he said. Wearing clean clothing after Ashnan (the holy bath), worshippers carry pots of water to the temple to bathe the Shivalinga, he added.

R P Bhardwaj, who heads the Indian delegation, said on arrival that they had brought with them the message of peace, tolerance, coexistence and brotherhood from India. “I believe that people-to-people contact will promote peace and harmony between Pakistan and India,” he said, adding that the exchange of groups especially pilgrims, would provide a step forward in the peace process between the two neighbouring countries.

“We always want to come to Katasraj. We thank Bhagwan that we will be able to go on Shivratri,” said Manjana Sarandas, an Indian yatree. She also said that she is happy to be in Pakistan. “We always pray for peace and prosperity for people on both sides of the border,” said Santosh Kumar, another yatree. He pointed out that there would be thousands of pilgrims from India if visa restrictions are eased. “This journey will have a lasting spiritual impact on me,” he said.

Raj Kumari, a senior citizen from Lahore, told The Express Tribune that she will reach the Katasraj on Thursday along with the delegation. “This will be my fifth visit to Katasraj,” she said.

The Indian yatrees will return to their homeland through the Wagah border on March 3 after their seven-day stay in Pakistan.

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Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2014.

In a remarkable interfaith gesture, First Universalist Church of Norway (FUCN) in Maine (USA) celebrated Hindu festival of Diwali.

According to reports, its minister Reverend Richard Beal, in Diwali worship service on November seven, read from ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) and Rabindranath Tagore and said: enjoy the real Deepavali, by attaining illumination of the soul…Celebrate the real Deepavali by living in Brahman, and enjoy the eternal bliss of the soul…Merge yourself in this light of lights and enjoy the supreme Deepavali.

Well known Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, welcoming the interfaith gesture of FUCN, said that religion being a complex and powerful component of our lives, a more broader and inclusive approach to religion was needed.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment, he added.

Mission of FUCN, founded in 1799, is “to nurture spiritual growth”, and it is affiliated with the Boston (USA) headquartered Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), whose roots go back to 1793. Unitarian Universalism is a religion with Jewish-Christian roots. UUA has about 1,041 congregations and estimated number of its adherents is about 800, 000. Peter Morales is UUA President while Bernice Martin is FUCN Board President.

Largest of Hindu festivals, Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)

Ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) was one of the Fall 2010 readings at prestigious Ursinus College in Pennsylvania Well known Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, described this action of Ursinus as “a step in the right direction” as students should have knowledge of the entire society to become full participants in the society.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged the schools/departments of religion and philosophy of major world universities to strengthen their Hinduism sections. Hinduism being the oldest religion with rich philosophical thought and a vast array of scriptures needed more exploration. Zed especially asked the Harvard, Cambridge, Yale, Princeton, Oxford, Stanford, Columbia, McGill, Australian National, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Heidelberg, Uppsala, and Utrecht universities to further enrich their Hinduism resources.

Students of Ursinus, located in Collegeville and founded in 1869, come from 32 states of USA and seven foreign countries and each one of them is issued a laptop computer. John E. F. Corson is Interim President while its alumni include author J.D. Salinger (The Catcher in the Rye), Nobel Prize winner Gerald Edelman, etc. (ANI)

Hindus are inheritors of a culture which integrated spirituality and science with great pageantry. Hinduism’s underlying core belief is that there is only God and everything emanates from that One. All forms are an expression of the divine (divya), each representing and showcasing one or many aspects of the divine qualities. The multi-faceted Vedic Hinduism’s original name is Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Order).

Our ancient ones (rishis) taught us, at the inner core, the human life is Sat-Chit-Anand (Truth-Consciousness-Bliss) and each and every activity in life is meant to lead the individual to that One goal of existential realization. Our customs, our traditions our very way of life is to help the individual coexist with the family harmoniously and realize the yogic goal in every step of the journey, from birth to death, regardless of the socio-economic strata of life. Yoga is the union of individual self with Self and Ashtanga Yoga the practical application of the philosophy (Vedanta).

Nature is not separated from the human existence. Celebratory events developed by our realized ancestors (rishis) are in synch with the cycle of nature (rita) and aimed at developing and nurturing relationships with family, friends and neighbors. To bring the science and spirituality to life, the philosophical ideas (Vedas) were transformed into beautiful allegorical stories (puranas). From these these allegories developed the festivals and traditions to bring family and community together. Underlying it all is the human instinct of joy and happiness and remembrance of the principle of the victory of good over evil in the constant struggle between them.

Thousands of years ago, the Hindu festivals (utsav) spread throughout the Indian-subcontinent and in the east as far as Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and in the west as far as America, as recorded by Mayans in South America. These festivals took on local hues depending on the climate, agricultural environment, evolving cultural landscape and location. Though somewhat modified over the millenia, many still retain their core essence ans spirit.

Hindus celebrate major cosmic changes, such as the transmigration of the sun from one zodiac sign (Rashi) as Sankranti. Of the twelve sankrantis, Makara Sankranti on January 14th is the most significant; the sun passes through the winter solstice, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn (Makar). We witness cosmic, astronomical harmony and prayerfully honor this scientific Truth. The six months of northern movement of the sun is followed by six months of southern movement.

As the earth starts its northward part of the rotation it brings the promise of a harvest of abundance and happiness in many parts of India. and the northern hemisphere around the world. The sowing season starts. Along the river Ganga in places like Ganga Sagar (where the river Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal) and Prayag/Allahabad millions of people bathe to honor the comingling of one life force (Sun) with another (water).

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in myriad ways. Usually there is an exchange of gifts with relatives. The festival reminds us to thank all who have contributed to our well being and of the world around us. An exuberant celebration of peace and harmony! Prayers of thanks and gratitude are offered to the Sun for a good harvest.

On this day, many pray to the deity of education (Saraswati) for clarity of mind. The festival highlights the importance of withdrawing from unethical and disturbing behavior. Students are encouraged to study science, maths, astrology and astronomy emphasizing the astronomical basis of the festival.

Kites are flown in many parts of the subcontinent. Kite flying while lot of fun to young at heart, conveys a deeper message that God is the Sutradhara — holding the string of man. Tensions of push and pull (of life) allow the kite to fly higher. If He lets it loose, the kite cannot fly.

No festival is complete without sweets. Sankranti sweets are made of sesame seed and sugar. They represent affection and sweetness.

In India and around the world, Makar Sankranti is also known as Gupi, Lohri, Pongal, Thaipusam and by other names.

Here at home, we, the Hindu Americans, see the strength of the Dharmic culture (Hindu and other eastern faiths) through the many ways in which the ancient traditional (Puranic) allegorical stories and epics are brought to life through festivals. In America, we recognize that the many festivals (utsav) play an important role in expressing the spiritual significance in celebratory, joyous ways while bringing people together. And we have developed our own ways to celebrate this expression of science and spirituality.

We pray in our home or temple, exchange gifts with our loved ones, observe aspects of the tradition that the climate will allow, create new ones and celebrate a meal with our friends and family.

During this time, our tradition encourages seva or service. And we are expanding this aspect creatively. For example, we are linking it to the MLK Day of Service, a national American holiday.

FestivalSeva (UtsavSeva) is community service augmenting the spirit of Hindu festivals through seva events organized during this time and connecting them with the cultural heritage. In keeping with the spirit of the festival, our theme for January is ShantiSeva: advancing peace and harmony through service.

The ancient tradition, Makar Sankranti is evolving to meet our needs as we New Americans weave our traditions and culture in the pluralistic tapestry of America.
 

Diwali is a joyous festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists (Dharmic traditions) and the festive spirit expressed by those of “any, all and no faith.” Though celebrated for different reasons, it has evolved from a pan-Indian festivity uniting multicultural diversity with worldwide cultures.

The very foundation of Indian civilization is based on the pluralistic acceptance embodied in the ancient Vedic scriptures; the oft used perennial Vedic saying: “Ekam Sat Vipra, Bahudha Vadanti,” meaning, “The Truth is One. The Realized Ones describe the One Truth in several ways.” Acceptance of this edict gives citizens space to express their differences while finding a common ground. And, closer to home, Diwali shares a special connection with American values as it exemplifies the ideals of “E Pluribus Unum,” or, “out of many, one.”

The strength of the Dharmic culture is the multitude of ways in which the Puranic (ancient traditional) stories and epics are brought to life through colorful festivals and selfless service (seva). These stories and epics bring to surface the deep philosophical truths of the ancient Hindu scriptures, known as the Vedas. The Festivals often express the common Vedic tenets of Hinduism, and of other Dharmic cultures, making them accessible to people from all walks of life.

Festivals form a lifeline that binds the Hindu and Dharmic cultures to family, the community and to the country where they reside. Festivals connect and bring people together in camaraderie and service. Hindu festivals also reflect and sustain the underlying pluralistic values for diverse people to co-exist harmoniously.

Hinduism is the contemporary word used for the monotheistic “Sanatana Dharma” or Eternal Order. The joy and peace in human life is based on observance of this eternal order. In the Hindu approach, an integration of spirit, mind and body is emphasized for pursuit of happiness (ananda). Festivals play a very important role in Hinduism as they manifest this integration.

A festival is a joyful synthesis and expression of spirituality, religion, philosophy, culture, service and social values. The spiritual aspect is founded on the human instincts of joy and happiness. The philosophical aspect is grounded in the struggle between the forces of good and evil with the ultimate triumph of the former. This struggle and ensuing victory of good is to be celebrated and used as a reminder to us, and future generations, that selfless service and giving are an interwoven part of the traditions.

“Service which is given without consideration of anything in return, at the right place and time to one that is qualified, with the feeling that it is one’s duty, is regarded as the nature of goodness.” (Bhagavad Gita 17.20)

In bringing together people of all Indic traditions — Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists and others — the celebrations of the different aspect of Diwali create an interlocked mosaic.

For Hindus themselves, the festivities of Diwali are celebrated by many stories. Universally the celebration is the triumph of Good (Lord Rama or Lord Krishna) over Evil (Ravana, Narakasura, etc.).

Most of Northern India celebrates the homecoming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Laxman. The people of Ayodhya (metaphorically translates to a place of no war) welcomed the trio by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), hence the name of the festival, Deepavali, or Diwali. The celebration of the victorious return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after killing the demon Ravana signifies the spiritual fulfillment of the journey (of life) after destroying the evil forces (asuras — negative tendencies) and strengthening the divine (divya) forces within.

Southern India honors this as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. Krishna accompanied his wife, Sathyabhama, in battle. Together they subdued King Narakasura and freed the prisoners who were mostly women. Diwali celebrations in the North also honor Krishna who protected the people of Gokula from torrential rains under the Govardhan mountain.

In western India the celebration is in honor of the day King Bali who gave away his kingdom and went to rule the nether-world as ordered by Vishnu.

For Jains, Diwali has an added significance. Lord Mahavira attained the Eternal Bliss of Nirvana. His life was transformed into a spiritual journey of self penance and sacrifice.

The Sikhs have always celebrated Diwali. Its significance increased when, on this day the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, was freed from captivity of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, along with 52 Hindu Kings (political prisoners).

Buddhists in India and Nepal honor Emperor Ashoka who, on this day, took to Ahimsa (non-violence), a key Vedic principle which became an integral part of Buddha’s teachings. King Ashoka sent his emissaries to many part of Asia and they spread Buddha’s teachings.

Goddess Lakshmi, (from the Sanskrit word “lakshye” which means “aim”) is invoked for blessings to restart our worldly and spiritual accounting. Prayers of thankfulness, (Lakshmi Puja), are offered for future prosperity by people of all faiths. Lakshmi Puja is another common factor in Diwali celebrations which binds the people of the Indian subcontinent and now globally.

Diwali traditionally marks the beginning of the New Year for Hindu businesses and the last harvest of the year before winter. Many close their books and open new accounts with prayers for success and prosperity. Symbolically it is a new start — forgive and forget — in all aspects of life including relationships with family and friends. It is the time for community and family celebration with prayers through puja, of togetherness, of sharing all resources, of food and gifts.

Today, Diwali is enjoyed by most Indians, regardless of faith, and by people of Dharmic faiths globally. Everyone celebrates it through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets and worship as is customary for each religious and/or non-religious group. No house is too big or too small for illumination. Artisans of all faiths, including Muslims and Christians, participate in making the lamps, fireworks and sweets.

While the story behind Diwali varies from region to region, the essence is the same: to rejoice in the Inner Light and understand the underlying reality of all things. The spiritual meaning of Diwali is “the awareness of the inner light.” At the heart, Hindu philosophy emphasizes the presence of that which is pure, infinite and eternal, which is something beyond the physical and the mind. Diwali is the celebration of the awakening and awareness of the Inner Light. Although it is not seen externally, this Inner Light outshines all darkness, removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance; it awakens the individual to one’s true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite and transcendent reality. With this inner realization comes universal compassion, love and the awareness of the oneness of all things — the Sat (Truth), Chit (Consciousness) and Ananda (Inner Joy). For Hindus, this is the goal of life.

Festivals are also a time to donate and help those in need. In the United States, the community is enhancing sustainable civic engagement (seva) to serve by connecting with America through the spirit of Hindu/Dharmic festivals and the cultural heritage. DhanSeva (resources empowerment) is community service during the month of November, while celebrating the festival of Diwali. It is giving resources of any kind — material or spiritual or physical, whatever one can give.

Seva during Diwali means bringing in light, especially in the life of those less fortunate than us. There are many ways to serve. We can offer financial help and education; share knowledge; identify ways to promote economic empowerment; hold health camps; provide guidance in yoga; replenish local food banks for Thanksgiving; donate books, computers or equipment to local schools and libraries; serve the Veterans, etc.

Diwali unifies every religion, every home and every heart, and India transcends into a land of myriad lamps. Here in America, we are continuing this celebration marking it as a unifying pluralistic festival advancing community service. We hope Hindu and Dharmic traditions of Diwali and America’s commitment to service will illuminate innovative and empowering resources, both financial and spiritual and spur the distribution and sharing of common values of pluralism and collaboration.

May the spirit of Diwali bring joy, health, wealth, prosperity, peace and spiritual enlightenment!