November 2021

Diwali is known as the “Festival of Lights” and is widely celebrated in India. Rows of lamps called Deepavali are lit inside and outside homes and buildings. Imagine how bright that must be! The lights represent the triumph of light over dark and the power of good over evil. The festival teaches us that good always wins over evil and that we must eradicate darkness with light. Every street is lit up with beautiful lights. It spreads cheer and joy among people and makes them fall in love with their culture.

On this occasion people start preparations days in advance by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplace with flowers, colorful glow lights and many fancy decorations to invite Light energies of wealth, prosperity and wellbeing into their lives. They also perform prayer ceremonies, light oil lamps (divas) and candles.

People decorate the house entrance with Rangoli, it is a folk art from India in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals.

Diwali is always celebrated in October or November. This year it starts on November 2nd and goes for five days. The main celebrations happen on the darkest night of the festival. That's on November 4^th. The festival of lights Diwali has been around for a long time. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama returned home to Ayodhya on this day after killing the demon king Ravana. Upon the arrival of their king, the residents of Ayodhya lighted the streets and houses with oil lamps to celebrate the occasion. Since then, the Hindus have been following the tradition by celebrating the festival with pomp and fervor. It is easily the favorite festival for kids as they get to eat their favorite sweets, wear new clothes, and light up the firework.

There are traditional things to do for each day of Diwali. The main day of the festival is on the third day. There are fireworks at night. Family and friends get together for a big feast with traditional sweets and snacks.

The celebrations for Deepavali usually extends over a period of five days, and the main festive night of Diwali coincides with the new moon night. The festivity starts with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi or small Diwali and then Diwali on the third day. Thereafter is Diwali Padva or Govardhan Puja on the forth day and Bhai-Dhuj on the fifth, Bhai-Dhuj is dedicated as a siblings day to honor sister- brother bonds and it is the last day of the 5 day long celebration. Each day of the festival has its unique significance.

Day 1: Dhanteras

On this day, many dedicate their worship to Goddess Lakshmi. People will clean the house, make rangolis or kolam (colored patterns made on the floor with flowers, powder, rice or sand), go shopping, and make sweet and savory Indian treats.

Day 2: Chhoti Diwali, Kalichaudas

This day is referred to as small Diwali and people will decorate their homes with rangoli, and clay lamps are displayed.

Day 3: Diwali

People dress in new clothes, visit the temple to perform a puja (a worship service) for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, light diyas around the house, keep all the lights on, eat delicious food and sweets, and enjoy fireworks celebrations with family and friends.

Day 4: Annakut, Padwa, Govardhan Puja

This is the first day of the new year for many regions and people celebrate by exchanging gifts and best wishes. Many will take time to be grateful for all of what they have and to share with others.

Day 5: Bhai Duj, Bhai Bheej

This day is dedicated as a sibling’s day to honor sister-brother bonds. It is common for all siblings to get together on this day. Brothers will visit their sisters and enjoy a nice meal together.

Thank You

from

Kshitija and Family

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On November 11^th, children from Germany and other European countries celebrate Saint Martin’s Day by gathering at dusk to parade through town with homemade paper lanterns. Children sing traditional songs during the parade and often come together around a bonfire to drink hot chocolate and eat goose-shaped cookies. The goose is a symbol of Saint Martin because, according to legend, he hid in a goose pen to try to avoid being ordained as a minister, but the honking of the geese gave away his location. The holiday commemorates the life of Saint Martin, but also celebrates the change in season from fall to winter. Like on Thanksgiving, it is a day to give thanks for earth’s bounty. Our family celebrates St. Martin’s Day with the local German community each year at The German School of Connecticut’s parade and party in West Hartford. (Image copyright: Gingerbread World: European Christmas Blog)

Hanukkah is important to us because it connects us to our grandfather’s religion and our family’s traditions and beliefs. We like lighting the menorah, but our favorite part is playing dreidel. Here’s how it works (We recommend using chocolate coins when you play!):

*Image copyright: The Dreidel Company