October 17 this year is Diwali, the biggest celebration of the year in India. Diwali celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama –  his defeat of the evil demon Ravana, capture of his wife Sita and return from exile — and, in general, the victory of light over dark. It’s also known as the festival of lights. Diwali  takes place on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika (during October or November), on the night of the new moon.

Diwali means “rows of lighted clay lamps” and that is exactly how Indians decorate their homes on the evening of Diwali, as the light of the sun fades. I helped light hundreds of them two years ago when I was in Delhi celebrating Diwali with Ajay and his family. After a family puja in the prayer room, we all gathered on the terrace to add our fireworks to the cacophony of sight and sound over Delhi. Millions of people joyously, noisily celebrating, the sky ablaze with fireworks in every direction for hours. It’s a wonderful time of year to be in India. 

I wish that the lights of diyas this Diwali enlighten your life with love, joy, health and happiness.

Shubh Deepavali!

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