Canton Celebrates Diwali
The five-day Hindu festival of lights began Nov. 13.
The most common aspect of Diwali celebrations around the world are the lamps. The literal meaning of Diwali in Sanskrit is "row of lamps.” The most popular tradition of Diwali is filling little clay lamps with oil and decorating homes with rows of lamps that are kept burning all night long, according to Sharbari Maitra Joshi. In its true essence, Diwali signifies the victory of Goodness over Evil, Light over Darkness and Knowledge over Ignorance. "Back home we have these lamps made of mud," said Chetna Gopinath, 25, of Ann Arbor. In addition to lighting the lamps, she said, families and friends will exchange gifts. "I really like lighting the diyas [lights]," said Nisha Nagarsheth, 24, of Ann Arbor. "Also the idea of soul consciousness." …
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