Romita Patel, my physical therapist, informed me that today is Diwali, the Hindu holiday also referred to as the festival of lights.
Although there appear to be several legends associated with the tradition of Diwali, they mostly revolve around the triumph of righteousness over evil, of light over darkness. Thus it’s appropriate that the focus should be on lights—oil lamps, candles and (so I hear) neon lights among the nouveau riche.
Diwali marks the end of a month of prep; Romita tells me there’s been a lot of dancing at temples, and tonight big family meals with emphasis on Indian sweets.
(Tonight is also Bonfire Night in the UK, when Britons burn effigies of Guy Fawkes, symbolically destroying Roman Catholics. This marks the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot, and--while historical—isn’t nearly as felicitous as Diwali.)
I’m joining in the celebration in my own, small way: hauling out a couple dozen candles to light and contemplate through the evening.
A happy and prosperous Diwali to you. And God bless us, everyone.
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