Happy Deepavali/Diwali Everyone!

[Vehl]

Diwali (also spelled Divali in few countries) or Deepavali is popularly known as the festival of lights. Its an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.

The name Diwali is itself a contraction of the word "Deepavali" which translates into row of lamps. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (divas) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends



May this Deepawali bring Happiness and Prosperity, Joy and renewed hope to you and your family/friends :grouphug:

The times are tough and we should always remember those who are less fortunate, and try to do our best to help those in need. After all, we have to swim together or sink separately.

Deepawali is considered a day when one starts things afresh. Maybe after the recent election and economic setbacks, this could be a day where we DUers resolve to regain what we have lost, and set our sights on the 2012 election!



Last year, President Obama became the first US president to personally celebrate Diwali in the historic East Room in 2009

The Persident's 2010 Diwali message

"Tomorrow, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate the holiday of Diwali - the festival of lights," Obama said in his Diwali message.

"This is a day when members of some of the world's oldest religions celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Last year, I marked this holiday as many will this weekend - by lighting the Diya, or lamp. This lamp symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance," he said.

"Diwali is a time for celebration, but it is also a time for reflection - a time when we must remember that there are always others less fortunate then ourselves. This holiday reminds us all that we should commit ourselves to helping those in need. For many, this is also a time to gather with family and to pray," Obama said.

"To those celebrating Diwali in India, I look forward to visiting you over the next few days. And to all those who will celebrate this joyous occasion on Friday, I wish you, your families and loved ones Happy Diwali and 'Saal Mubarak'," said the US President.

some pics (please note that the Swastika design used for the lamps during Diwali is not related to the Nazi symbol)

[kestrel91316]

1. Thanks for mentioning this. My niece is marrying into a Jain family

so I must wish her a happy holiday!

[Vehl]

10. you are welcome :)

My best wishes to her!

[Celtic Raven]

2. Learn something new every day

Thanks for posting about this holiday.

:thumbsup:



Happy Deepavali/Diwali to you & yours!

[Arctic Dave]

3. I can't help but to think of the " Office" episode. :)

[TwilightGardener]

4. "Everybody looks so jolly, it's time for Diwali!"

[KamaAina]

5. zOMFG! Barak Obama is a secret Muslin AND a Hindoo!

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

[Vehl]

11. And lets not forget that people might think he is a Muslim if he visited a Sikh temple!

:D

[Desertrose]

6. Happy Diwali to you!!

Such a beautiful time with all the lights!!!

Namasté

:grouphug:

[Vehl]

12. Thank you :) nt

[EFerrari]

7. I never knew about this celebration. Thanks, Vehl.

:)

[Vehl]

14. you are welcome :)

It is probably the biggest festival in India/amongst Indians and has many regional variations throughout India.
The common element is that it is a festival of light. The reasons for the festival change depending on the region

:)

some more info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

[xchrom]

8. Happy Diwali! Nt

[BurtWorm]

9. Happy Diwali to you.

Diwali makes Jackson Heights, New York, a lot prettier around this time of year, so thank you, Hindus, for that. (And thank you, South Asians, for making it smell so delightful, too!)

(Damn those Nazis for what they did to the swastika!)

[Vehl]

15. Thanks!

and yes, its a damn shame...what the Nazis did to this symbol :(

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

13. Namaste, Vehl.

[Vehl]

16. Namaste to you as well

Or in my language,Tamil, "Vanakkam"

both Namaste and Vanakkam mean the same thing, but diff languages :)

[Fire Walk With Me]

17. Namasté, dear one.

:hug:

[Vehl]

20. Namaste!

:hug:

you have a great Id-name!

[Uncle Joe]

18. Vanakkam to you, Vehl.

:hi:

[Vehl]

21. Vanakkam to you too Uncle Joe!

:hi:

[tanyev]

19. What a lovely time for President Obama to be going to India!

Thanks for the post.

[Vehl]

22. Yes, I think the timing is great!

He will be taking part in a lamp lighting ceremony in a school over there, iirc :)

[Coexist]

23. I love how Obama respects all religions... and my right not to have one.

:)

Happy Diwali

[Vehl]

24. Indeed!

I know exactly what you mean, as I'm and Atheist myself. But as my sig says, I'm still a Hindu; as one need not have a god in order to be one :)


Its up to us to us; Atheists and moderates to uphold the separation of church and state, especially when the fundie right seems set to overturn it.

[lightningandsnow]

25. Happy Diwali!

I'm Jewish, and Diwali reminds me a lot of Hanukkah.

No matter how we are different, we are all the same.

Love and light to you!

:grouphug:

[Vehl]

26. yes, the Hanukkah

It is interesting that you were reminded of it!. The first time I learned of the Hanukkah, I was reminded of Diwali!
And the Menorah reminded me of the Arti lamps we have in our temples as well

as you rightly said, Even though we are different we are indeed all the same :grouphug:

/>>

^^ when I first saw of the Menorah I was reminded of this :)


Btw, Jewish people have been living in India for more than two Millenia. Even as early as 546bc they came to southern India as traders and later as Exiles escaping the destruction of the second temple. It is said that when St Thomas landed in India ~52AD he was welcomed on shore by a flute playing Jewish girl. India was one land where the Jewish people have always been welcome, and probably one of the very few where they never faced anti-semetism :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Jews

[Vehl]

27. Obama to visit Mumbai School for Diwali celibrations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL8yNSWmX54

The kids seem soo excited!! :)