Happy Diwali!!!

Bombay could not be more festive. Last night, "Diwali's Eve", the city shone with millions of celebratory lights. Diwali, the "festival of lights," represents the victory of good over evil, light over darkness.

What I was surprised to learn about was the various faiths and traditions that all center around Diwali. For Hindus, the story is about the god, Krishna, overcoming the demon, Narakasura; and Rama overthrowing Ravana. In the north, the emphasis is on celebrating the safe return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and his army. In Bengal, it is time to adulate Goddess Kali, and around India, it is an occasion to welcome Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, into one's house. For Sikhs, Diwali is the day of return of their sixth Guru Hargovind Ji from captivity. For Jains, Diwali is the day of Lord Mahavira's nirvana. (thank you, Times of India!)

More spiritually, Diwali represents a time to light not only external diyas (oil lamps), but also a time to look inwardly and re-examine ways to dispel darkness and light the lamp within.

So Happy Diwali everyone!