Menopdaytoree; Celebrations And Pupdate

Today, for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, is the main day in the festival of Diwali. It began with Dhanteras. On that day, the tradition is to give the homes a thorough cleaning and buy new items for the home, particularly kitchenalia and gold and silver jewellery. Then yesterday, the second day of five, was Naraka Chaturdashi, which celebrates Satyabhama, the wife of Krishna, who beheaded a demon king. On that day, there is lots of bathing and perfuming, and families gift each other new clothes. On the fourth day is Govardhan Puja, celebrating the hill of that name, a place of sanctuary close to Vrindavan, the birthplace of Sri Krishna. Day five is celebrated as Bhai Dooj when sisters and brothers affirm their kinship and strengthen bonds with gifts, play, prayers, etc.

Today though, the third day is the day of sweets and feasting and the goddess Lakshmi. In warmer climes, windows and doors are left open so that she may enter freely - that is a little more difficult to manage around about the Hutch in near winter! At six in the evening, all the lamps will be lit (or in my case, the tealights), and if tradition is to be followed, they will be kept alight through till six tomorrow morning... in a similar fashion to Hogmanay!

I have a little more joy in celebration this week, as my good pal Aitch is visiting! 

Now, the following came through over a week ago - time to share more news from Sprout!