New Year's wishes to our Hindu brothers and sisters, who are devotees of Yeshu - especially those in Varanasi, India!
May the Eternal Light shine brighter in your lives!
Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means garland of lights. Quite literally Diwali is known to many as the ‘festival of lights’. Diwali is also quite an auspicious day to start a new beginning and thus people whish each other happiness, wealth and prosperity for the new year ahead. Diwali has no meaning without lights and lamps. Traditional Diwali lamps are lit in small earthen clay shells and are lit using a wick and some oil. It burns for a few hours, lighting up the darkness wherever it is placed.
Rangolis are found decorating the thresholds of homes and other buildings, as well as prayer rooms. Rangolis are elaborate arrangements made by using coloured powders, flowers, coloured rice, and even pulses. These intricate designs are characteristic of all special spiritual occasions, and especially Diwali. They are made afresh every day during the five days.. The rangoli is common through every celebration during the days of Diwali.
Flowers are a regular feature in every Indian celebration. The generous use of flowers are used in grand garlands, arches of flowers along the doorways or even just the use of petals sprinkled judiciously to make pleasant designs around the house. The flowers are not just wonderful ways to light up the house and add splashes of colour, but also the most auspicious ways to welcome the Divine. Their selection, separation and use are all a joy.
