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Health & Fitness

Diwali - Hindu Festival of Lights by Chandru Acharya, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)

Michigan has a population of about 70,000 Hindus with many of them living in Troy, Novi, Canton, Farmington Hills and Bloomfield Hills. Hindu Americans celebrate Diwali with great joy and intensity.

This is the first of our many to come interfaith posts. We want to educate everyone on our community neighbors faiths and cultures. Please enjoy and let us know if you have any questions. 

Diwali- the Festival of Lights.

Diwali or Dipawali is a popular Hindu festival. Each year it falls in the October or November timeframe based upon the Lunar and Solar calendar.  This year it fell upon October 26th. In 2012 it will fall on Nov. 13. Diwali also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, according to the lunar calendar.

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Hindus have been celebrating Diwali for more than 5000 years. It has been a part of the Hindu traditon from the earliest days of the Hindu civilization. In Sanskrit, the ancient spiritual language of the Hindu civilization, Dipawali means "an array of lights." This festival is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and many Buddhists.

Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. As per the holy Hindu scripture Ramayana, on this day, Lord Rama victoriously returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating demon king Ravana. To welcome his return, diyas (ghee lamps) were lit in rows of 20.

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Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights." Hindus make a resolution on this day, to awaken their inner spiritual light that would vanquish dark thoughts of hatred, jealousy and greed that infest the human mind. Hindus pray for the well-being of all mankind and sustenance of the Universe.

In anticipation of the Diwali season, people clean their homes and paint them with bright colors. Small earthen-oil lamps or candles are customarily placed in font of each household. Kids make artistic crafts with their hands and hang them within and outside their homes. Diwali celebrations are made with families and friends getting together and exchanging good wishes and sweet treats. Children seek blessings from their parents, teachers and elders. Families wear new clothes and visit temples. At night, the celebrations are with fireworks and bonfires. The atmosphere is charged with festivity, spirituality, charity and friendliness.

Michigan has a population of about 70,000 Hindus with a significant number of them living in the Troy, Novi, Canton, Farmington Hills and Bloomfield Hills areas. Hindu Americans celebrate Diwali with great joy and intensity. Different congregations and social groups have their own programs consisting of cultural programs, folk dances, ethnic foods, charity events and community service initiatives like food collection drives, helping people in distress and cleaning-up of neighborhoods.

Next November, please visit your Hindu neighbors and learn more about this celebration by attending their festivities! They welcome the chance to share their culture and faith with you!

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