A Festival Of Light | Kindling 10.21.25

Sparks For A Brighter Life

I’ve long believed that one of the simplest ways to be a better member of this global community, of this human race, is to honor what others deem worthy of celebration. Sometimes, like today, that belief really, really pays off. Today is the start of Diwali for those of the Hindu faith, and folks, if you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s a stunner. Here’s a very brief, very elementary primer:

Diwali, or Deepavali, is a Hindu festival that is one of their most-celebrated, and most revered. It commemorates the victory of good over the forces of evil, and it takes place over a five day period. The word itself, according to the Hindu American Foundation “refers to rows of diyas, or clay lamps, which are put all around homes and places of worship.” So literally, a festival of light, as it literally means “Row of lights.” The light from the lamps is said to symbolize the illumination within all humans, which can overcome the darkness of ignorance. How absolutely beautiful. So, here’s what I wanna do to honor Diwali, and our ability to overcome our Own ignorances…