Diwali (festival of lights) is the most important festival of the year in India particularly for Hindus. Over five days, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer. In India it is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people. Homes, businesses and public spaces are lit up with diyas, or oil lamps made from clay, and fireworks are exploding everywhere! Gatherings of families eat special sweets and exchange gifts. Celebrated as an important religious festival for Hindus, it is also observed by Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. Despite its deep religious significance, Diwali today is also a cultural festival observed by many people regardless of faith.
The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and usually occurs later in October or early November. This year the celebration lasted from October 31 through November 1. The story varies depending on religion and the origin story, but all celebrate the victory of light over dark, goodness over evil.
One of my students and friends asked me the other day what Diwali was about. I knew it was a festival of lights; I was lucky enough to be in India in 2019 during this glorious celebration. I did not, however, remember exactly the meaning. After doing some reading and remembering several of the tales, particularly the one about King Rama (one of the incarnations of Vishnu). An evil king captures Rama’s wife Sita, and he has her rescued by an army of monkeys. To not give it all away I will leave the rest of the discovery of these beautiful tales to you, some in the links below.
My takeaway on the spirit of Diwali is, and it is especially poignant to me given how concerned I feel about this election season, shouldn’t we always (or ultimately) expect goodness to vanquish evil? It seems so simple and should have universal appeal. I try to always choose the path of goodness in my life, not always easy, I am challenged occasionally by unkind emotions. Last week we talked about surrendering to a higher power; this week I am doubling down on invoking my higher power, surrendering to what I cannot control, and will practice (it is always a practice) more kindness and good. Happy (Belated) Diwali.
I do not have much to add on this subject but will be embracing the spirit of Diwali in my practice on (and especially) off the mat this week. Links to some good articles on this celebration and its origins.
This article discusses some of the history different stories in various religious texts on the origins of the festival. The stories of the gods and goddesses are so magical.
Meditating on Good Vanquishing Evil
I hope this week you find support and light in your practice and let your own light shine through vanquishing any darkness you feel inside. Together, we can be beacons of light for our community.
“Diwali: A Festival of Lights” – by Sarojini Naidu
In the heart of darkness, a lamp is lit,
A beacon of hope, a symbol of light.
Diwali, the festival of lights,
A celebration of joy, a triumph of rights
Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949), the “Nightingale of India,” celebrated Diwali in her poem, highlighting the festival’s significance as a victory of light over darkness.
War can’t end goodness. But goodness can end war. Happy Diwali! - Unknown
On a whim today, we had no Zoomers at the 9:00 AM class, I played Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel. I have vivid memories of my Dad playing the album as he cooked (he took that task over from my mom, thankfully, in the late 60s). Another timeless poem/song that is so relevant today. Listen to it with your eyes closed, paying attention to the words, so relevant today. This video may be a little scratchy, but it shows them singing just the two of them, in 1965. Moving and a lot about darkness versus light.
Our Practice – Invoking Diwali
I got inspiration on Diwali themed poses by reading some articles on children’s yoga.
This week we will invoke Diwali with the following:
Candle Pose (aks Shoulder Stand or Head Stand). This pose represents the candles we light during this festival of lights. Candles are lit during the Lakshmi Puja (third day) to seek blessing from the goddess of wealth, prosperity and success. (Puja is an offering or showing reverence to a god or spirit or the divine). Throughout the festival people light candles, lanterns and set off fireworks to dispel spirits and protect one’s family.
Flower Pose (aka Blooming Lotus) represents all the flower garlands and gifts of flowers as well as those used as decorations and as offering to the deities.
Temple pose (aka Down Dog). The pose represents the spire or top of the temples (mandirs) where people go to worship during Diwali.
Nurturing with Food – Find some Ladoos!
I'm going to go out on the limb with no recipe this week. When I was in India during Diwali there were so many delicious sweets being offered everywhere that we went; I became enamored of these round balls that I think are called ladoos. I am going to ask my dear friend, Robina, how to make them. Robina and I met several years ago, and she runs a wonderful business (threading) in Kingston, RI called Bella Brow. (If you use that service, she is EXCELLENT). Over the years we have developed a true friendship, and we can fill up an hour talking about our families and food, a lot about food. She brings me delicious morsels that she and sometimes her husband cooks and I'm so grateful. I am always hoping that the food that I bring to her measures up! While I will have to dedicate another blog to our friendship, I am hoping that she will soon give me a good recipe to make these! Meanwhile, check out the article link below about Diwali sweets and like me, wish you had some!
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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