Celebrating Culture

[Sneha]

Happy Diwali!!!!!!!!!

Diwali has many different meanings for different cultures just within India! As a Jain, I practice Jainism, and believe that Mahavir, our God, went to Moksha (nirvana) on this day. Hindus use this as an end to the year. India basis its calendar on the lunar calendar. Many times, Diwali is called the festival of lights. This is because at this time of the year, winter starts and the harvest is over. People clean, light, and decorate their homes. Their hope is that Lakshmi, the deity of wealth (picture above), will come into their homes and bless them for another year. Usually, a puja or religious ritual, is held to honor her and close the accounts for the year and open up a new ones.

For me, Diwali was like my Christmas! We made special sweets and foods during this time. Family would come over to celebrate and we would all receive gifts. The house always feels so bright, just like our hearts, and you can't help but smile and be happy.

[Pedro Garcia]

Sneha,
Your posting demonstrate the similarities that different cutures hold in their traditional, religious, etc. holidays. We also celebrate something similar in the Dominican Republic during the month of December and January. We celebrate "Navidad y el Dia de Reyes" and people do the same activites you mentioned in the posting.
Pedro