happy diwali !

may all your days on this earth be full of light, love, and happiness!

























DIWALI means "festival of light" and it is a * huge * indian holiday.

the lights signify the victory of good over evil in the world and within each of us. each religion and community in india attaches their own significance to the festivities - but it's the indian's answer to the fourth of july, christmas, and new years -- all rolled into one!

people wait all year for it - they exchange gifts, shop alot, have huge family gatherings, go to their respective places of worship to offer thanks and light *lots* of candles. they eat TONS of sweet deserts - feeding each other while saying "...you're very sweet and may only sweet things happen to you in life..." they get up in the morning say their prayers as a family, and then in the evening before the day ends - they light a candle in each room of the house - to illuminate every corner and signify God's light and blessings within the home. then there are huge fireworks displays and partying. its lots and lots of fun - and very very beautiful --

the Golden Temple in punjab lit up for diwali,



a girl saying prayers,



children lighting diyas -- which are homemade candles of clay and oil,



making a rangoli - auspicious decorations - of diyas,



a young girl lighting a diya in south africa,



enjoying some fireworks in mumbai,






and of course -- america -- being the truly great country that it is -- tries to understand and embrace everyone - so here's a little treat from the office called the diwali song - i'm lovin it!



pics are from bbc and pam told me about the clip!