At such a festive time in Asia with Kathina (end of the Rains Retreat celebration, Buddhism's Carnivale/Easter) and Diwali (Festival of Lights), the Occident settles in for the foggy time of mystery, the cooling months of irritated monsters (who seem to dwell in the massive cave U.S. systems that correspond to many unsolved missing persons cases) and hungry ghouls (yakkhas, rakshasas, ogres, some Sasquatches, jinn, giants, nagas, petas, shapeshifters), the strengthening and fattening time before the frost kills off the weak.
We're sicker and poorer with Medicare Advantage (fake Medicare)
Medicare Advantage: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
(LastWeekTonight) Oct. 26, 2025: John Oliver details what "Medicare Advantage" is (it's not Medicare), why it basically has all the pitfalls of private insurance and few of the benefits, and the economic significance of novelty slippers. You’ll see. Subscribe to the #lastweektonight YouTube channel for more almost news as it almost happens (lastweektonight) or find on favorite social media platforms the show may or may not have discussed at length: #lastweektonight
Elvira: How burned girl became sexy Mistress of the Dark
(Encyclopaedia Brittanica) Diwali (Dipa-wali) is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism [not Buddhism], lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika.
(The corresponding dates on the Gregorian calendar usually fall on late October and November). The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. More
Los Angeles, California Diwali and Annakut Celebration
(BAPSChannel) Experience the lights, festivities, and joy of Diwali and Annakut at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on the outskirts of Los Angeles, For more details, visit: https://www.baps.org/News/2024/Diwali... #BAPS #BAPSDiwali #diwali #diwali2024 #festivaloflights #na50 #diwalicelebration #diwalifestival #losangeles
Scenes of Diwali celebration from Greater Noida | Diwali 2023 | Festival of Lights | English News
(MIRROR NOW) Nov. 12, 2023: Times Network ground report brings insight into the celebrations taking place across India on Diwali, the "Festival of Lights," illuminating India with joy and fervor as 1 billion people or more celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. #diwali #mirrornow #diwali2023
India is on the right with "Shakya Land" in grey
It’s also widely celebrated in Nepal, Malaysia, Fiji, and other countries with large South Asian diasporas. Homes, businesses, and public spaces are lit up with diyas, or oil lamps made from clay, and fireworks displays abound.
People gather with their families, eat sweets, and exchange gifts.
Despite its deep religious significance, Diwali today is also a cultural festival observed by people regardless of faith.
Here’s what to know about the holiday.
What is Diwali?
Crowds in Bombay, India, ahead of 11/5/23.
Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” It marks the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil.
Though Diwali traditions vary according to region and religion, the myths and historical stories behind the holiday share themes of justice and liberation.
When is Diwali?
Are you Indian? - Ha ha, wait, I can answer!
Diwali is celebrated every year in autumn, usually falling between October and November.
The festival lasts five days, with the main celebration occurring on the third day.
The Real Truman Show is an unreal world -- a world the movie warned us about -- one we all now live in.
Don't disturb Disha. She's “finally” got the time to burn off all those calories she gained eating delicious desserts during Diwali [and sugar-laden Halloween candy]. Like many of us, Ms. Patani also relished mouth-watering sweets during the Festival of Lights.
Does my butt look big in this tooth floss thong?
But the fitness enthusiast is wasting no time quickly jumping back into her workout routine to burn fat and calories, a glimpse of which she shared on Thursday.
On her Instagram Stories, DP posted a new video and photo. She's the hottest person in the world.
Actor Disha Patani
The first one starts with the actress walking towards a mirror, showing off her toned midriff. “Finally burning my Diwali sweets,” she captioned it. The next features Disha taking a selfie at the mirror (shown above). Her toned physique will give many major fitness goals. The video show her boxing martial arts workout. More:
He's just like Obama: He "proves" there's no more racism in UK, and he won't change a thing.
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"Groundbreaking milestone": world reacts to Rishi Sunak as next British prime minister
He's a conservative wanker, a right winger.
Finally, kt's "reverse imperialism." Now it won't just be curry taking over as the national diet in England, Rishi Sunak will restore to India all the wealth and resources England and the British East India Company stole from it. Ya'think? Not a chance. PM Rishi Sunak is more conservative and rightwing than a royal. He's richer than most of them, too. His Indian wife is even richer. He was the finance secretary (Chancellor of the Exchequer) before this job. He's a Clarence Thomas, a Good Ol' Boy, a member of the Club, a sort of Wolf in Sheep's Clothing or Uncle Tom, not anyone to stir up actual trouble or controversy. He's dedicated to the status quo. Do not expect change.
World leaders lauded the significance of Mr. Sunak’s victory as the UK’s first prime minister of color.
[Former right wing finance minister] Rishi [pronounced "Richie"] Sunak’s appointment was hailed as astounding by befuddled [dotard] Pres. Joe Biden, who is uncertain about his own current position as president due to senility and general feebleness. He's no rishi (Vedic/Hindu "seer"). Why does he want this job other than power, corruption, influence peddling, and ego? Will he turn the nation toward Lord Krishna, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, the God of Destruction Lord Shiva? Any of the many goddesses? Not likely. He's the Prince of the Realm to King Lord Charles, the official symbolic overlord with no real power.
The Ghost of Empire haunts England.
News that Rishi Sunak will take office as Britain’s next prime minister -- the third in less than two months [after the queen and recently selected female PM both fell by the wayside] -- raised cheers in New Delhi, India, calls for stability from Europe, and praise as a “groundbreaking milestone” from the US.
World leaders lauded the significance of Sunak’s victory as the UK’s first prime minister of color and the youngest in modern political history. [He is also the richest with a personal fortune and marriage to the daughter of very rich Indian parents. This next to guarantees he won't be changing anything for the better but rather doubling down on conservative measures.]
“We’ve got news that Rishi Sunak is now the prime minister,” Joe Biden said in remarks made during a Diwali celebration at the White House on Monday.
News that a Hindu son of Indian immigrants had won the leadership race raised cheers in India, where some found pride in the fact that a person of Indian heritage would be running a country it was once colonized, oppressed, and robbed blind by.
A strap across the bottom of the screen on New Delhi Television ran the words: “Indian son rises over the empire,” while the Times of India ran a headline that read “UK rings in Rishi raj on Diwali.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his “warmest congratulations” to Sunak, saying he looked forward to “working closely together on global issues.”
“Special Diwali wishes to the ‘living bridge’ of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership,” he added. “He’s expected to become the prime minister I think tomorrow when he goes to see the king. It’s pretty astounding, a groundbreaking milestone, and it matters,” the US president added.
UK front pages from 25 October featuring The Guardian, Daily Mail, The Telegraph, Daily Mirror, The Sun, and The Times.
‘Who voted for you?’: what the papers say as Rishi Sunak prepares to become prime minister. More
This post covers five Diwali celebrations in the Los Angeles area, one on Thursday (Oct. 20), one on Saturday, Oct. 22, two on Sunday, Oct. 23, one on Monday, Oct. 24, and the largest on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. The first and last are FREE, but the other three request a voluntary donation.
Diwali: Celebrating Oneness Nov. 13, 2022
FREE: Diwali, India's "Festival of Lights" is a celebration of ONENESS or nonduality (advaita), with speakers from various faiths, cultural performances, experiential meditation, and a free vegetarian lunch. More
All are cordially invited to attend “Diwali: Festival of Lights’’ -- an evening of celebrating joy, music, culture, and peace at the historic Art of Living Dome in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, October 23rd.
Diwali is an age-old festival of lights traditionally originating in India. It celebrates peace, prosperity, and victory of light over darkness, and harmony for all.
During this event held for the Los Angeles community, coming together to connect, celebrate, and welcome the light of peace and prosperity into our lives, joy will reign above all else.
Diwali? Originating from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, it literally means rows (avali) of lights (deepa). This Festival of Lights symbolizes the vanquishing of ignorance (darkness) by the knowledge (light).
There are four aspects of Diwali:
Lighting of lamps. The lights on Diwali are symbolic of spreading knowledge.
Firecrackers: When an explosion happens on the outside, the explosion inside is diffused. This is the significance of firecrackers.
Distribution of sweets. Sweets dispel bitterness and are symbolic of a renewed friendship.
Feeling the abundance. It is a day to feel grateful for all that we have.
The celebration will begin with a short breathing and meditation session to relax the mind and feel the peace and joy within.
When true wisdom dawns it gives rise to celebration, and in celebration we may lose focus or awareness.
So let us celebrate this Diwali with knowledge and feel the abundance. For those who have will be given more!
This event will have all the aspects of celebration, which includes:
Laxmi Puja (devotional ceremony to Lakshmi),
followed by lighting lamps (diyas/tealight candles provided): There is an opportunity to make a personal sankalpa (deep wish) and offering. Sankalpa is a deep intention, since every manifestation has an intention behind it. We have many desires or intentions, however not all intentions come to fruition or manifestation. The process of taking a sankalpa is an ancient Vedic technique that uses mantras to invite the energy of the universe to help strengthen and manifest our intentions.
Lighting lamps and dance performances
Meditation
Dinner (vegetarian Indian cuisine).
All are welcome, and anyone who comes for the event can witness the puja (sacred ceremony).
Come celebrate the light of happiness, joy, and SELF. FREE-$51: Tickets (Eventbrite)
Things to do in Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles Festivals, LA Community Festivals, #dance #food #music #musical #india #diwali #lightshow #weekend_activities #diwali2022 #lights_festival
Organizer of Diwali Fest 2022: Festival of Lights
operating in 152 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the world-renown philanthropist and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (srisriravishankar.org). All of AOLF’s programs are guided by Sri Sri’s philosophy: “Unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.” The AOLF community is diverse and attracts people from all walks of life backgrounds and religious orientations.
AOLF offers numerous highly effective educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness, and well-being for all individuals. These programs, which include breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and practical wisdom for daily living, have helped millions around the world to completely transform their lives.
In addition to these courses offered globally, AOLF, working in collaboration with The International Association for Human Values (IAHV), has successfully implemented numerous humanitarian projects and service initiatives including conflict resolution programs, disaster relief, sustainable rural development, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all, and environmental sustainability.
It has been said of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar that not since Mahatma Gandhi has one person united so many people of different races, religions, traditions, economic and social status, and nationalities, creating a One World spiritual family across the globe. Sri Sri’s message is simple: “Love and wisdom can prevail over hatred and violence.” Happily, this message is not just a slogan but through AOLF has been and continues to be translated into action and results.
(Glendale Temple) SRF is presenting Diwali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights," which signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. Delicious Indian dinner, followed by "Chai and Chatter," a kirtan (singing), and a shortened version of Glimpses of a Life Divine, a documentary on the life of Paramhansa Yogananda. Doors open at 5:00 pm, dinner served at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $20. To reserve, please call (909) 621-5023. Lots of help needed for this event. Volunteer.
FREE: Thursday night is the celebration of India's "Festival of Lights" called Diwali. Group meditation, showing connection to all the world's great religions, is the focus of this heartwarming holiday celebration.
“My idea is NOT to bring here a Hindu creed or a Christian creed or aBuddhistcreed, but to take the best out of ALL and embody the universal aspect of all. That is my dream.”
"We dedicate a symbol which represents the ideal of unity and oneness of all world Teacher…to place before the people of this country [USA] the wisdom and truth from all lands, classics, and scriptures, in fact, from the whole world, showing their underlying unity and harmony" (1938).
Eds., Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit Newar Buddhism; Zero Degree Nepal, 7/16/20
Vajrayana Buddhism of the Newar, Nepal
(Zero Degree Nepal) Nepal is known as the "Land of the Himalayas." According to Hindu myth, the great Himalayas are believed to be the abode of the gods and goddesses (devis and devas).
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva transformed into Kwan Yin
Nepal is a multiethnic, multilingual, and multireligious country, where two of the world’s dominant religion, Buddhism and Hinduism coexist in harmony. Buddhism includes a wide variety of beliefs and spiritual practices.
The two traditions, Mahayana and Theravada, are the main branches of Buddhism.
However, everyone follows the basic principles of the teaching of the historical Buddha -- though Mahayana seems to ignore him otherwise in favor of devotion to "Cosmic Buddhas" like Amitabha and Vairocana.
The teaching of universal friendliness (metta) and compassion (karuna) are common, but practices vary among schools and disciplines. The Vajrayana tradition, also known as Newar Buddhism, is classified as part of Mahayana.
It includes practices using tantras, mantras (magical incantations), mudras (hand poses), and mandalas (sacred geometry circles) and the visualization of the Buddha and other deities. Vajrayana is popularly known as Tantric Buddhism that developed over 2,000 years ago in ancient Nepal.
Newari Buddhist chariot at the Temple of Annapurna, Machindranath Jatra (wiki)
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It is strongly influenced by Hinduism and Brahmanism. Newar Buddhists still perform their duties and rituals (dharma), passing along ancient knowledge and scriptures from generation to generation.
Most people are only familiar with Tibetan Buddhism, due to its media attraction in the Western world.
For many, the idea of Buddhism only means monks with shaved heads and their saffron, yellow-, and maroon-colored robes.
When visitors come in contact with the Newar Buddhist community of Nepal, they are amazed by the sight of the common lay Buddhists practicing this ancient tradition.
Most Nepali Newars follow Hindu traditions. However, the Shakya, Bajracharyas, and many other Newar Buddhist castes follow Buddhism.
The Newar Buddhist community practices Vajrayana Buddhism with unique customs and rituals.
Newars are the original inhabitants of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley.
They have a distinct way of life, cultural customs, and spiritual traditions. The rich history, knowledge, rituals, and art of the Newari has turned the Kathmandu Valley into a living museum that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Religious and cultural festivals play a major part in the lives of the Newari people of Kathmandu.
It has developed unique socio-religious elements, which include a non-monastic Buddhist society based on the Newar caste system and patrilineality.
The ritual priestly (guruju) caste, vajracharya(who perform rituals for others) and shakya (who perform rituals mostly within their own families) form the non-celibate religious clergy caste, while other Buddhist Newar castes like the Urāy act as patrons.
Uray also patronize Tibetan Vajrayana, Theravada, and even Japanese clerics [3]. It is the oldest known sect of the Vajrayana tradition outdating the Tibetan school of Vajrayana by more than 600 years.
Although there was a vibrant regional tradition of Buddhism in the Kathmandu Valley during the first millennium, the transformation into a distinctive cultural and linguistic form of Buddhism appears to have taken place in the 15th century, at about the same time that similar regional forms of Indic Buddhism such as those of Kashmir and Indonesia were on the wane.
As a result, Newar Buddhism seems to preserve some aspects of Indian Buddhism that were not preserved in Vajrayana schools elsewhere. More
The author of Autobiography of a Yogi gave personal instructions on how to practice the science of Kriya Yoga meditation, taken from the classes he gave to Americans for more than 30 years.
They are presented in detail in the "Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons."
The Lessons provide his practical guidance and techniques for attaining balanced physical, mental, and spiritual well-being — the health, healing, success, and harmony that yoga bestows on every aspect of life.
These "how-to-live" principles are an essential component of any truly successful meditation practice.
If not enrolled in the Lessons, find on these pages some basic instructions on how to meditate.
They can be used right away to begin experiencing the peace and communion with the Divine (the deva planes) that meditation brings. More: A Beginner’s Meditation (SRF)
Join in commemorating the mahasamadhi (great stillness and passing) of Lahiri Mahasaya, Monday evening, Sept. 26 and Friday evening, Sept. 30, commemorating his birth. Both services begin at 8:00 pm and are preceded with a group meditation beginning at 6:30 pm.
Diwali (Festival of Lights, Oct. 22)
Say "om* (aum)
SRF Glendale Temple presents Diwali, The Hindu Festival of Lights, which signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, shining knowledge over dull ignorance. SRF will have a delicious vegetarian Indian dinner, followed by Chai and Chatter, a Kirtan (call and response singing), and a shortened version of Glimpses of a Life Divine. Doors open at 5:00 pm, dinner served at 5:30 pm.
Tickets go on sale in the West Lobby on Sunday, Oct. 2, after the Sunday Service. Lots of volunteers needed for this event (get in free). Sign up West Lobby board.
Crystal Quintero, Dhr. Seven, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly; WFI; Mr. India; Tech V
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
(Wild Films India) Diwali is one of the biggest, brightest, and most important festivals in India. Diwali is popularly known as the "Festival of Lights." The celebration of the "victory of good over evil" refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling ignorance.
Although the story behind Diwali and the manner of it celebration differs greatly depending on the region, the essence of the festival remains the same: the celebration of life, its enjoyment, and its goodness.
The Hindi word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, which translates as "rows of lamps." Based on the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls between October and November on an Amavasya or "moonless night." The festival is associated with the legend of the Hindu god Ram's return to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after 14 years in exile.
The demon-king Ravan of Lanka had abducted Lord Ram's consort Sita only to invite his own death as a result. Lord Ram, along with his brother Laxman and an army of monkeys, defeated then killed the demon king and returned to the kingdom with Sita.
According to mythology the people of Ayodhya lit up clay lamps known as diyas to welcome him on his return from exile.
Diwali is a five-day affair and kicks off on the first day with Dhanteras. Dhan means "wealth," hence this day is considered auspicious for buying items related to prosperity like utensils or gold. Vijay and his family also plan to buy something in keeping with the customs of Dhanteras.
The day after Dhanteras is known as Narak Chaudas or Choti Diwali. In short, the second day is Diwali on a smaller scale, with fewer rituals. Hindus get up before dawn, clean their houses, take a fragrant bath, and dress up in festive clothes. Vijay and his family follow suit; they decorate their house with much excitement to invite Goddess Lakshmi. The whole family rejoices on the occasion by singing aartis or religious hymns while they take part in the puja or devotional ritual.
The third day of the festival, known as Lakshmi Puja, is the main Diwali celebration. This day is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi (Laxmi), the goddess of wealth and Lord Ganesh, the lord of auspicious beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees worship them seeking prosperity and wealth.
Govardhan Puja is the fourth day of the Diwali festival. In some parts of India this day is also known as Annakoot. Legend says that Lord Indra (Sakka), the Hindu god of rain and the king of the gods in Buddhism, once got angry with the people of the land of Gokul, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. To punish the villagers, the rain god poured endless rain, flooding the village. However, Lord Krishna came to the rescue of the village and sheltered the villagers under Govardhan Hill by lifting the entire hill onto his little finger, thereby saving the villagers and their livestock. Since then this day is celebrated to thank Lord Krishna.
This day is also known as Padwa in some parts of the country when people visit friends and family with gifts and goodies. Vijay's family has a tradition celebrating this day: The women of the family and neighborhood make a cow dung hillock to perform the day's ritual. The hillock is built symbolizing Govardhan Hill then decorated with flowers and other elements. The men pay obeisance to this symbolic hillock by circling around it and singing religious songs. Vijay and Vishal join the prayers.
Bhai Dooj marks the end of the five days of Diwali. The festival of lights has so many rituals and traditions that it is also called the festival of sweets, gifts, fireworks, and family.
This footage is part of professional broadcast stock footage archived by Wilderness Films India Ltd., the largest collection of HD imagery in South Asia. The collection is comprised of tens of thousands of hours of high quality broadcast imagery, mostly shot on HDCAM 1080i high definition, HDV, and XDCAM. Write for licensing this footage on a broadcast format for use in your production. We are happy to be commissioned to film or provide broadcast crewing and production solutions across South Asia. We pride ourselves in bringing the best of India and South Asia to the world. Reach us at rupindang@gmail.com and admin@wildfilmsindia.com.
Diwali 2019, date and time: 5 days of Diwali celebration
(Technical Vichar, 1/26/19) This video is about:
1. Diwali 2019 date and time
2. Deepavali 2019 date and time
3. Dhanteras 2019 date
4. Kali Puja 2019
5. Bhaiya Dooj 2019
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is the most famous festival in India. It is five days of festivities that begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj.
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(Technical Vichar, 1/26/19) This video is about:
