h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Wish you all a very happy Diwali and prosporous new year!!!!

Traveller in Time on his head
"Happy Diwali, to you too.
I surely hope it means something like a party to celebrate the (survival) good of the past year and a good start into the next.

Is this what some would call coincidence or planned, today the crew will depart from Capetown. They will Circle the Globe on the voyage to 'save the albatross'."

Thanks for your good wishes. You are right; Diwali is festival of Light, a celebration of the ultimate victory of good over evil, light over darkness. Hindu New Year starts today! If the mission started on Diwali, then I think it's a good sign It is considered auspicious time of the year. Good luck!!

bathing in a pool of light
"Can you tell us more about this luminous festival?"

Sure! Thanks for asking! There is an EG on Diwali A803495, which is quite good. As India is a country of diversity, there are slight variations in the way people celebrate Diwali. It's like you celebrate Christmas is any western country, a festival, which is more socially significant than religious.
It is a five day celebration, starts on Dhan trayodashi till Bhai dooj
Dhantrayodashi: Dhan means wealth, people by gold and silver this day.
Naraka Chaturdarshi: Lord Krishna killed demon king Narkasur on this day, As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon king's blood. Krishna returned home in the very early morning of the Narakachaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice. Like this all five days have some story associated with them, you may like to read them at http://www.bawarchi.com/festivals/diwali1.html
Amavasya: is main Diwali day
Fourth day is Padwa or VARSHAPRATIPADA which marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. It is considered New year day as per Hindu calendar.
Fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and now, sisters will invite their brothers to their homes.

We used to have half term or winter vacations during Diwali, for about 15 days in our schools. But now I think students get just five days off
We prepare for the festival months in advance. We clean and paint our houses, make sweets and snacks. On the day, we worship goddess Laxmi, lit many earthen lamps, decorate our houses with flowers, with frills of tiny electric lamps and by making 'Rangoli'. We wear new cloths, play firecrackers with friends and wish friends happy Diwali and happy New Year by exchanging sweets.
Younger people in the house touch feet of elders and elders shower their blessings on them and gifts.
Employees get gifts and bonus from their employers.
People visit each other and exchange gifts and treats.
Though in UK I couldn't enjoy fireworks and I missed my family but we went to temple and had food with friends
Hope you enjoyed reading it

Traveller in Time on his head
"Thanks a lot, indeed we should have checked the web for an explanation. However, even your post is more entertaining than the current entry in the Guide.
Feel free to write an entry about it, you sound as an expert! If you think: 'but there is one' perhaps cover topics not in the original such as recepies for khoya.
Or just publish the time table. This was (is) {will be} the Earth edition of the Guide anyway so any information will do. Do not be bothered about the edited guide too much. (we do not)"

Nephew Who chasing his wheelbarrow...
"About conservating cultural diverse conversations, care to join? < A1315577 > , we are all researchers by nature."

HAPPY DIWALI

hi traveller in time... i just would like to wish you a happy new year and a very happy diwali ...i hope that you enjoy your festival and that a good time will be had by all

good luck for you and your family

~heavenly angel~

HAPPY DIWALI!

Another year, another celebration! Happy Diwali, everyone!

JTG

HAppy Diwali to you too, JTG! Its on 14/15 Nov this year!

Traveller in Time on his head
"You mean we are a week late? Or is it this month?"

Traveller in Time, it is, for you, whenever the fancy takes you.

Hey it is tomorrow! (Sorry got confussed with dates) Yesterday was Dhanteras and main Diwali day is Tomorrow in India.

Happy Diwali!!!!

Traveller iun Time on his head
"Happy Diwali "

Happy Diwali!