Happy Divali!

Giving of gifts at neighbor's homes

Festival of Lights . . . Celebration of the victory of good over evil . . . the uplifting of spiritual darkness.  It goes by many names, but Divali is a very important holiday in Mauritius.  It is an official public holiday, and its arrival is anticipated for months.  For days, families spend their time cleaning and clearing their homes, cooking, baking and putting up lights; then on the day of Divali itself, families drop by neighbors' homes with sweet confection gifts.  Shelly and I had a wonderful evening with new friends from our village, Pointe aux Piments.  Neighbors dropped by with small boxes of baked goods, and then we dropped by our friends' house with our box of toll house chocolate chunk cookies.  Then, they surprised us with a wonderful meal of jackroot and chickpea masala, curries, farata bread, and an assortment of vegetarian dishes. The houses in the neighborhood were draped with strands of lights and rows of beautiful candles.  Following sweet dessert treats, we enjoyed fireworks in the back yard. 

                                                 Here's an edited version of what Wikipedia says about Divali:   

दीपावली की शुभकामनाएं

"Celebrated this week in many places around the world, Divali is popularly known as the "festival of lights," however, the more significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of one's inner light." Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind—something which is pure, infinite, and eternal. The celebration of Divali—from darkness into light—is a seeking of the inner light that empowers us to understand our oneness with all things. With this awakening of our true nature comes compassion, joy, and peace."

Just as many people celebrate the birth of our physical being, Divali is the celebration of our inner being—and rekindling its glorious light. We wish you a Happy Divali, and may you rejoice in your inner light!