Happy Diwali!

For most Indians Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant days of the year despite the fact that most Indians are celebrating the festival for different reasons. The essence, for all religions, is that Diwali is considered a time of illumination and prosperity. The Goddess of wealth – Lakshmi – is invited into the home, where she is to bring wealth to the families who celebrate her. So she can find her way, Hindus light up their homes with diyas (small earthenware oil lamps). For Sikhs the day is significant for two reasons. The first brick for The Golden Temple was laid on Diwali 1588 and the release from prison of the sixth guru, Hargobind Singh, in 1619 is celebrated. Jains celebrate the attaining of Moksha: Liberation from Samsara (cycle of birth and death) and eternal Bliss.

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