by Saurabh Dani
Ridgewood NJ, today, Nov 12th, Sunday, is the lunar phase of the new moon (no moon day), and the sky is going to be dark.
Our neighbors who follow Hinduism celebrate today by lighting their homes to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and victory of good over evil and to celebrate Lord Rama’s coronation as king about 7000 years ago.
For our neighbors who follow Jainism, Diwali marks the anniversary of Nirvana (final release) or liberation of lord Mahavira’s soul, the twenty-fourth and last Jain spiritual teacher, around 600 years BCE.
For our Sikh neighbors, Diwali is important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. (Liberation day).
Diwali is also celebrated by some who follow Buddhism (not all).
Happy Diwali to everyone who is celebrating it today.
FYI for dog owners, you may hear some firecrackers today evening as many of our neighbors celebrate Diwali.
Thanks James!
So it’s OK to mention Diwali but not Christmas?
Why aren’t we referring to Diwali as “Holiday” ?