Festival of Lights- inside & out

Inviting The Divine Within.

I can't believe it's my favorite time of the year already :)!Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals; known as the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that's marked by five days of celebration and reflection. It's a time when houses get a little bit of an extra deep cleaning, the inside and outside of homes are decorated, and delicious meals of gratitude are made so that friends and family can gather to rejoice and reflect on the past year...as old accounts are closed and new ones soon open. On these days, houses are literally illuminated as homemade ghee/oil lamps are lit in the morning and evening, as an invitation to the divine to continue to reside in our homes....and most importantly, our hearts.During the days leading up to Diwali, the Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali are celebrated...reminding us to set bright intentions for the New Year....especially for  spiritual wealth so that we can cultivate happiness and love and accumulate compassion, kindness, forgiveness and peace so that we can, gain access to the abundant wisdom that resides in our hearts, to be content in all situations that life hands us and to help us dissolve our egos.The actual day of Diwali, historically symbolizes the victory of good over evil; when Lord Rama along with wife, Sita and brother, Lakshman returned from their fourteen year long exile, at which time they had vanquished the demon-king Ravana. And, in honor and celebration of their Lord and King, the people of Ayodhya, illuminated the kingdom with these homemade oil lamps, known as diyas, in excitement for his return.So, this week as the days of Diwali begin, I will definitely be turning inwards to light the lamps of knowledge and truth in my heart as I reflect on my actions + give thanks for the abundance of blessings from this year and set intentions for next year.Have a great week everyone!Lots of love,Kajal