A lot of things make Diwali celebrations auspicious, but in 2017, there have been a few notable events that have taken place that made the festive Diwali season even more special. Diwali (also called Deepavali) is the biggest festival in India and the most widely celebrated festival for Hindus globally. In modern times, the dharmic festival of Deepavali has […]
U.S. Postal Service Celebrates Holidays of All Major Religions Except Hinduism
Did you notice what’s missing in the picture above? If you answered Diwali (aka Deepavali) you guessed right. While there are stamps from all other major World faiths commemorating Christmas (Christianity), Hanukkah (Judaism), Kwanzaa (African Heritage) and Eid (Islam), there is no U.S. postage stamp commemorating Diwali (celebrated in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism). This isn’t the first time Hindus […]
Shubh Deepavali (aka Happy Diwali) – The Festival of Lights and Good – 2015
(CHAKRA) The bright (and we literally mean bright) auspicious festival of Deepavali (also widely known as the modern name Diwali) is by far the largest and most widely celebrated festival for Hindus and Indians globally. Diwali is also celebrated with strong festivities by Sikhs, Jains and even some Buddhist communities. Countries that celebrate Diwali include the United […]
American Hindus Saddened by NYC’s Exclusion of Any Hindu Festivals from Public School Holidays
Leaders at the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) expressed deep disappointment with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to exclude Diwali from the 2015-16 public school calendars. Earlier today, the Mayor announced that the new public school calendar will include two Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, but will not include the proposed […]
Shubh Deepavali & Happy Diwali! (aka Festival of Lights) – The Largest Dharmic Festival – Nov 2014
The vibrant festival of Deepavali (also referred to as Diwali in recent years) is the largest and most widely celebrated festival for Hindus and Indians. Diwali is followed and celebrated with strong enthusiasm in India as well as other nations with significant populations of Hindus, Sikhs and NRIs. Such nations include the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, […]
Firecrackers on Deepavali – A Conversation with Anti-Deepavali Modern Neighbors
By Sharan Bhagavath It’s that time of the year – the magical, noisy, colorful, and jovial Deepavali or Diwali, where hundreds of millions of Hindus & Non-Hindus around the World celebrate the ‘Festival of Lights’. After 3 days of magical fun with lights, sweets, crackers and prayers, I met a few neighbors this morning. Here […]
Learn 10 Different Ways to Greet Someone on Diwali
(CHAKRA Blogs) Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India, mainly celebrated by Hindus, but also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Diwali is a multiple day festival, but celebrated for different reasons depending what state you are from since each state in India has its own unique culture. However, although the reasons and […]
Shubh Deepavali (Happy Diwali!) – Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists & Jains – November 2013
Do you celebrate Diwali? or maybe you know someone that does? Learn more about Diwali/Deepavali 101 here. Deepavali (better known as Diwali to many) is India’s most widely celebrated festivals and an especially important festival for Hindus around the world. Deepavali is celebrated with high enthusiasm in India as well as any nation with a […]
Picture of the Week: Goddess Lakshmi (Laxmiji)
Lakshmi ji (or Laxmi) the a goddess in Hinduism known to symbolize wealth, spiritual and physical wealth, good health and fortune. She is wife of Lord Vishnu Bhagawan. Representations of Lakshmi are also present in Jainism temples. People give their attention to Lakshmiji most during Deepavali (Diwali). Lakshmi pooja is a religious ritual and celebration […]
Diwali vs Deepavali? What Is the Proper Way to Greet on Diwali?
(CHAKRA Blogs) Deepavali is one of the largest celebrations in India and among Hindus. It is also one of the only common festivals celebrated by all Dharmic faiths (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists) to some degree. Nowadays, it isn’t uncommon to hear “Happy Diwali” from your friends or see it in your Facebook newsfeed. However, to […]