People often ask me what my name means. Dipali. Well it is not a common name that’s for sure. My physical birth occurred right near the Festival of Lights known as Diwali in India, I was named after this auspicious time and celebration of light. This year Diwali is on October 17th/18th, 2009 right on the New Moon in Libra. Incredible. I’m looking forward to the blessings that will unfold for all of us. In addition there is gorgeous astrological energies which offer a nice grace-filled support to this time. Inspiration is everywhere. Draw in and be the love that you are. Express your true nature.

My name means “Row of Lamps” in  Sanskrit language or “light” to keep it simple.  In addition to that, I found this blurb on the internet; `Deepali or Dipali` is someone who brings love, joy, happiness into ones life.  For a young chick, this is a tall order, to live up to the name and its meaning.

And yet as I grew up and matured, I felt a deep resonance with the name, the festival of lights and its profound meaning. You can say it inspires me to keep bringing or expressing light in the midst of darkness or ignorance. Enlightening those who are ready to free themselves from the chains of conditioning.

Diwali is a wonderful celebration and was not celebrated in a strict religious fashion growing up. I was so blessed that I was able to draw out the richness and modify the holy day to mesh both the eastern and western ways. It is wonderful to be able to create a new and modern way to honor the meaning of the Festival.  Diwali is a time to honor the Light or Consciousness overcoming darkness and ignorance. And a return of hope for humankind.

In my home growing up,  we celebrate this time by putting candles or lights all around the home, creating Rangoli ( hand painted sand or colored powder designs), fasting, making handmade sweets and snacks, spending quality time with loved ones as well as dancing which is called “Navaratri” literally means “nine nights” and more. Navaratri is a time in which the Divine Mother in her various forms is honored; Durga (Goddess of Courage and Strength), Saraswati(Goddess of Wisdom and Learning), Lakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity and Beauty), and Shakti (Goddess of Energy or Power).

In a way Christmas lights began really early for me each year. We got to enjoy the twinkling candles and lights as early as October through end of December each year. There is an exchange of gifts, yet from way back in my own journey and recollection, Diwali Celebration was so much more than giving of gifts, money or physical items. It was a greater gift to laugh, enjoy delicious food and spend quality time with loved ones. A very colorful, spiritually rich experiences ones you can’t buy in a store. This to me is the true light or gift of Diwali. That’s a bit about Diwali, Dipali and Festival of Lights. Hope you have enjoyed this post.