By Dipali Desai

“Today, light a candle with the clear Intent of shining Light, of pure awareness upon the planet. Today, allow yourself to freely express your passion and uniqueness leaving a trail of inspiration wherever you go. Today, celebrate simply being alive and having this experience upon the planet. Today, honor those who cross your path for they bring unusual gifts. Let today be the beginning of fresh new experiences filled with awareness, joy and peace. Imagine as one festival begins, it sparks a row of lights being lit upon a great branch on the Tree of Life. One by one igniting, brighter, stronger and more powerful. The shadows recede. Today, remember… you are a spark of the Divine experiencing physical creation. You are the lamp which shines forth the light. Celebrate this Gift and share it with the rest of Creation.”

The Festival of Lights are celebrated in such unique ways all around the world from: India, France, Sweden, Thailand, Philippines, Africa, Egypt, Holland, and Mexico and so many more. It would be amazing if young children were educated and supported to celebrate the diversity of the  festivals around the globe. Some schools do, while in the mainstream not so much. There could be a greater sense of unity while honoring diversity. I’ve seen people who have had the freedom to know about and celebrate other festivals, being more tolerant of other cultures traditions. They begin to see the common thread that unites rather than what separates. There are those that don’t even realize there are other “festival of lights” around the world – they just know about Christmas or Hanukkah. We can educate children that there is diversity without conditioning them to create separation from others who are different. Adults and children would benefit and get a sample of being in the shoes of a fellow brother or sister from another country, culture or tradition and how they honor the festival of lights.

It is my hope that more individuals (including children) wake up to the richness of the Festival of Lights around the world. Imagine how it could be one big festive party which brings people together and honors people from all walks of life. Let the joy and innocence flow out and gently awaken hearts. Let us all deeply enjoy the celebrations happening all around the globe.

2009 Copyright Dipali Desai. All Rights Reserved.