Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights
Sambhali children celebrate Diwali
Credit: Photographers Without Borders
Diwali is a joyful holiday in India, a time to make a clean start for the Hindu new year. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dipavali’, which means a row of lights, Diwali has been celebrated since time immemorial. This year, it falls on Saturday, November 14th. Diwali is the celebration of good over evil, light over darkness. It is celebrated 20 days after Lord Ram killed Ravana (the festival Dussehra) and rescued Sita from captivity in Lanka. The celebration marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. To welcome Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman, the people decorated the city with diyas (earthen lamps) to welcome their king.
A crucial part of Diwali celebrations is Lakshmi Puja, when families pray for peace and prosperity for themselves and their loved ones. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and, to make their homes more inviting to her, families clean their houses, wear new clothes, decorate with diyas, flower garlands, and colorful patterns on the floor made of colored rice, powder or flower petals ('Rangoli'), and prepare savory and sweet treats. The festival is accompanied with much social activity where people exchange gifts and sweets with friends and relatives.
Sambhali Trust founder Govind Rathore performs Lakshmi Puja
Credit: Photographers Without Borders
The girls who live at the Sheerni and Laadli boarding homes have traditionally spent the holiday at the home of Sambhali Trust founder Govind Rathore and his family. This year, due to concerns over COVID-19, the girls will most likely celebrate at the boarding homes. Nevertheless, the boarding homes, the Sambhali Trust empowerment centers, and Sambhali Trust office have been cleaned and the women and girls have decorated the floors to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
Diwali Rangoli
Sambhali U.S. wishes the entire Sambhali family a Happy Diwali. May the bright lights of the holiday bring you peace, prosperity, health, and joy.