Religion and Ethics Forum
Religion and Ethics Discussion => Eastern Religions => Topic started by: Sriram on October 29, 2016, 06:22:06 AM
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Hi everyone,
I can't believe it is already one year since I last wrote about Deepavali. Let me keep up my tradition.
Today (and tomorrow) is Deepavali...the Festival of Lights. Deepavali means 'Row of Lights'. It is the day Lord Rama is believed to have returned to his kingdom after killing the evil King Ravana of Sri Lanka about 3500 years ago.
We take it as the day we should conquer the evil within us and bring out the goodness that often lies dormant in us. Hindu festivals are usually a time of self renewal and introspection.
We light lamps, wear new dresses, socialize, exchange sweets, seek the blessings of God and elders. We also light crackers and fireworks. But fireworks and crackers are being increasingly discouraged due to pollution and noise. They are significantly reduced in recent years. Its now more about lighting lamps, praying and socializing.
Happy Deepavali to all of you!
Best Wishes.
Sriram
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And a GREAT BIG HAPPY DIWALI to you too, Sriram bhaiya !!!!!!
Nick
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Hope you really enjoy Deepavali, Sririam.
It is certainly celebrated around where I live, a very happy occasion.
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Sounds like fun Sriram, so I hope you enjoy it.
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Sriram
it sounds like fun have a great day. Don't bother with the praying bit though, there's nobody there.
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W
You mean there's 'nobody' answering the door to YOU, no ??? ;) 8)
Nick
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There have been a few fireworks not far from us tonight, a couple of streets away maybe.
Hope you've been having a good time Sririam.
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Thanks everyone. Yes...I have been having a good time. Lots of sweets and snacks. We tend to put on weight during this period.
We Hindus have something like 42 festivals spread over the year most of which are not celebrated now. We now have about 10-12 major festivals that we celebrate all over the country. About six of them are concentrated in the months August to Oct/Nov. This is called the Puja time (festival season). It ends with Deepavali.
Next festival in January.
Cheers.
Sriram
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I once lived for a while in an area where Deepvali was celebrated a lot more than it is where I am now and it was extremely friendly and inclusive. I'm glad you've been enjoying yourself, Sririam. You've had quite a good year one way and another.
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I once lived for a while in an area where Deepvali was celebrated a lot more than it is where I am now and it was extremely friendly and inclusive. I'm glad you've been enjoying yourself, Sririam. You've had quite a good year one way and another.
Every year its the same. Why do you say I have had a good year now?! Noticed anything special?!
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Your European holiday.
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Your European holiday.
Well...yeah. We travel regularly somewhere or the other within India. Its a big land and lots we haven't seen yet.
Spent lot more on the European trip, of course and it was worth it. :)
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DEEPAVALI
Great series ,Sarah Lancashire was excellent in it
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Did it make you Happy?
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Hope you had a wonderful Deepavali, Sriram.
If it's anything like Christmas with the rich food and sweets you will be going through the withdrawal symptoms soon, when it all gets eaten up ;)
I know in the uk, January seems a terribly long gloomy month, both financially ( employment often pays you early because of Christmas at the end of December) and because the goodies run out 😉💐
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January is a nice month for hibernating - if you can.
I don't think I ever over-ate and drank (certainly don't now), but still felt lethargic in January. All in the mind maybe?
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My...My...its one year already. Tomorrow is Deepavali again.....(though our family is not celebrating due to the deaths of two people in the family this year).
Its just about lights and eats and fun.
May the Divine Light dispel the darkness in our minds! Happy Deepavali everyone.
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My...My...its one year already. Tomorrow is Deepavali again.....(though our family is not celebrating due to the deaths of two people in the family this year).
Its just about lights and eats and fun.
May the Divine Light dispel the darkness in our minds! Happy Deepavali everyone.
Happy Deepavali to you and your family, Sriram. Sorry to hear about the deaths in your family. Take care.
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Happy Deepavali to you and your family, Sriram. Sorry to hear about the deaths in your family. Take care.
Thanks NS! :)
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And a belated Happy Deepavali , Sriram
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Oh...thanks a lot NS. I didn't see this post until today. :)
We did have a good Deepavali this year. My daughter and son in law had come over from Mumbai.