INTERFAITH WISDOM

Today is the beginning of the Hindu festival of lights.  It is called Diwali.  The Hindus celebrate each Autumn the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

The five day festival had it's beginning in India, of course.  During the festival, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is honored.  Candles and lanterns are kept lit;  homes and businesses are kept bright with lights indoors and out.  The celebration culminates much like our civil and religious holidays, with worship, large feasts, fire works and gift giving.   This is a major event in the Hindu year. 

Interestingly, other religions of the Asian subcontinent have holidays coinciding with this Hindu event.  The Jains also call theirs Diwali but honor their deity Mahavira; the Sikhs call theirs Bandi Chhor Divas, one Buddhist sect also celebrates Diwali with their own deities.  Diwali is an official national holiday in most of that part of the world.

I'm sure it's acceptable to say, "Happy Diwali!"
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