MenoFest... Shine a Little Light!!!

Today, you are invited to share in the festival of Deepavali - more commonly known as Diwali - with me, by posting images of lamps or candles and spreading the bond of friendship.

Whilst this festival is celebrated mainly as a Hindu event, in India it cuts across religious boundaries and Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and even Muslims in most communities will celebrate... in much the same way that many non-Christians will celebrate Christmas. Outwith the religious parts, it is one big party of Love, light, togetherness. It is also akin to New Year in Western culture. A time to reflect on what has gone before and to realign one's thinking with some expectation of improved performance, enhanced beingness, and increased return on one's investment of time and effort in various aspects of life.

Such reflection, it could be argued, ought to be a daily activity. If we deal with such notions on a daily basis they are much more likely to bear fruit than if we attempt only a yearly 'harvest'!

Diwali actually takes place over five days, for the faithful. Some only celebrate over three days. Others will tell you it is four days. These differences come about from the varying traditions which came together in the one festival. In the North, it was the return of Sita-Ram to Ayodhya, in the South it is the victory of Krishna over the demon Naaraka... There is always included a night for devotion to Lakshmi for another twelve months of prosperity as well as the main celebration of the lights. Deepa means light and awali means row.

Rows and rows of lamps (deeyas) are arranged along walls and ledges and windows and cities, towns, villages everywhere seem alive the entire night! Everyone will have purchased at least one new set of clothing to wear for the event. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees. 

Homes will be cleaned thoroughly, coconuts will have been cracked, sweets prepared...  pujas (ceremonies) will be performed in homes and temples and gifts will be given to all who are met. This festival instils charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds. On this day, they feed the poor on an incredible scale. Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle about in joy and embrace one another.

It is common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere. 

The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.

Even those without spiritual leanings enjoy Diwali, for it brings families and communities together and helps us to focus on being the best that we can be as humans. When one flame touches another, often the resulting illumination is greater than would be imagined from the individual flames themselves...

Now it is your turn. Light up your posts with lamps or candles and shed a little Love through the flames!
This is a linky party for those who are posting specifically for Diwali. Any non-specific links will be removed. A link back to this post would be appreciated but is not compulsory. Entry open for 48 hrs. Thank you for celebrating with me!!!

Some gremlins are riding the ether and the submit button will not show (have tried three reruns!) - so my dears, link up through the comments box and I will add them here... sigh...