Happy Deepavali

Happy Deepavali to all Hindu's .... :)

Today is Deepavali - the festival of Lights. Hindu's from all over the world celebrate this festival of lights. Deepavali is more commonly known as Diwali in India.

The happening place for the Indian community would have to Serangoon Road more famous for the term Little Indian. Ask any native Indian and they would tell you that from certain angles it does remind them alot of home. Serangoon Roads decorated with beautiful decorations of the peacock strung above the roads adorned with colorful lights. It is indeed a beautiful sight. And who could resist the bazaars with their assortment of Indian sweets which can be any ant get diabeties- yes its that sweet but some are mildy sweet so those with not a very sweet tooth know which one to pick.. Then there is the muruku - a cracker like savoury that my mom insist we get for Eid but alas bazaars closed now .. Then of course you there is the household decorations - incest sticks, lights and candles that the Hindu's use as a means of worship. And everyone's favorite clothes - lots of them in every imagineable color - sometimes it feels like you are on a color palette.. but none the less beautiful. The Indians emphasis on color creates such vibrancy in their culture , way of life and of course their culinary tastes.

Deepavali or Diwali is a five day Hindu festival which occurs on the fifteenth day of Kartika. During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Laksmi, goddess of wealth.Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared during Diwali. Diwali, being the festival of lights, thousands of lamps are lit in and outside every home on the day. Lamp or "Deep" is the symbol of knowledge. Lighting the lamp of knowledge within us means to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities and to bring those thoughts in to our day to day lives.

If anyone is keen on reading more into its history and significance can do so at the following links :-

http://www.rumela.com/events/festival_diwali.htm

http://www.diwalifestival.org/

I was out earlier on and i saw the Indian community in their festive best - colorful saris, elegant ghahgras and punjabi suits and the men in their kurta. Its nice seeing people celebrating their holidays in tradition clothes - it really gives it a positive feel. Nd the beauty of Deepavali is that its celebrated by all races in Singapore in this case visiting the homes of Hindu friends and joining in the celebration. Diversity is indeed a beautiful thing .

Once again Happy Deepavali! :)