This week the Llama Nails Challenge theme was Diwali. I had no idea what Diwali was, so I had to turn to the little magic box to provide answers.
Diwali, also called Divali and Deepavali is the Hindu "Festival of Lights" that runs for 5 days, usually between mid-October and mid-November. From Wikipedia:
"Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecrackers are burst because it is believed that it drives away evil spirits. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends."
It is also celebrated by Sihks and Jains, though for different origins. Over the course of my research, I learned that Diwali's spiritual significance is that it marks the triumph of one's inner light (higher awareness) over ignorance in order to bring about joy and peace. This resonates with me because I have been on my own path towards this kind of joy and peace for a few years now. The more I learn about Hinduism, the more it seems that I should learn, because though it is a very complicated religion, it seems more of a philosophy and way of life that closely aligns with some of my own personal beliefs.
One of the most iconic images of Diwali is that of the ghee lamp called a diya. It was from this image that I derived the inspiration for today's challenge mani.
