November Magic: A Month of Blessings and Celebrations

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

“November Magic: A Month of Blessings and Celebrations”

As the seasons change and the calendar pages turn, our lives are punctuated by special moments that define our favorite times of the year. For me, the question of my favorite month has evolved through the milestones and joyous occasions that have shaped my journey. From the innocence of April to the romanticism of February, and the familial bonds of August and May, each month held a unique place in my heart. However, it wasn’t until the magical embrace of November that my favorite month found its true resonance.

1. April’s Beginnings: I entered this world in the bloom of April, and for the longest time, it held the charm of nostalgia and personal significance. Birthdays and anniversaries unfolded in this month, weaving a tapestry of memories that lingered in my heart. April was a sanctuary of familiarity until a new chapter unfolded in the chilly embrace of February.
2. February’s Love Story: February marked the beginning of a new chapter as I exchanged vows before a sacred fire and embarked on the journey of marriage. Suddenly, my allegiance to April faced a delightful challenge. The romantic ambiance of February added a new layer to my favorite month dilemma.
3. Daughters’ Arrival: The arrival of our daughters brought a beautiful chaos to the calendar. August and May became months of double celebration, and the concept of a singular favorite month became a delightful dilemma. Every birth added a layer to the complex tapestry of my yearly preferences.
4. The November Revolution: The turning point came with the birth of my granddaughters. October welcomed the first, and November graciously embraced two more. November, once a distant contender, started gaining prominence in my heart. It became a canvas painted with the hues of family joy.
5. A November Extravaganza: November transformed into a month of celebrations, with birthdays, anniversaries, and festivals converging into a joyous symphony. The month hosted my wife’s birthday, my sister’s special day, and our most cherished festival, Diwali. It became a time of shared happiness and familial togetherness.
6. Sentimental Significance: The sentimental significance of November deepened with each passing year. Bhai Dooj, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, was always there, adding another layer of emotional richness to the month. It became a time of reflection, gratitude, and profound connections.

In the kaleidoscope of life, our favorite month is a reflection of the moments that shape us. For me, November emerged as a clear winner, carrying the weight of familial bonds, celebrations, and cherished memories. From the arrival of grandchildren to the glow of Diwali lights, (lets not forget my wife’s birthday) November encapsulates the magic of togetherness and the beauty of shared joy. As the pages of the calendar turn, November stands as a testament to the blessings that surround us, making it not just a month but a treasure trove of love and celebration.

-R K Karnani
November 2023

Happy Diwali

Celebrating Deepawali: A Tapestry of Light, Legends, and Joy

Deepawali, the festival of lights, holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world, illuminating the skies with joy and hope. While widely known for commemorating Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, Deepawali is a celebration woven with multiple layers of significance.

One of the lesser-known but equally profound stories associated with Deepawali is the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka. According to Hindu mythology, Naraka had imprisoned women and subjected his subjects to immense suffering. Lord Krishna, in an act of divine justice, vanquished Naraka, liberating the captives and restoring peace. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, a theme intrinsic to Deepawali.

In the contemporary tapestry of celebrations, Deepawali transcends religious and cultural boundaries, becoming a global festival that resonates with people from diverse backgrounds. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the triumph of compassion over hostility.

In India, the festival is a time of vibrant festivities. Homes are adorned with intricate rangoli, colorful patterns created on the ground with vibrant powders and flowers. Diyas, or oil lamps, are lit to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Firecrackers echo through the night sky, signifying the banishment of negativity and the ushering in of a new beginning.

Families come together to celebrate with elaborate feasts, exchanging sweets and gifts as tokens of love and goodwill. The tradition of wearing new clothes symbolizes a fresh start, while the cleaning and decorating of homes signify the purification of the mind and soul.

Diwali in Jainism marks the anniversary of Nirvana (final release) or liberation of Mahavira’s soul, the twenty-fourth and last Jain Tirthankara of the present cosmic age.

For the Sikhs, Diwali is a story of the struggle for freedom. It celebrates the victory of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, in 1619, from the designs of Emperor Jahangir, who had imprisoned him and 52 other princes with him.

Beyond India’s borders, the global celebration of Deepawali has gained momentum, with communities worldwide participating in the festivities. Cities across the globe light up with the glow of diyas and the warmth of shared joy. International landmarks often join the celebration, bathing in the brilliance of multicolored lights to mark the occasion.

Deepawali is a time to reflect on the triumph of righteousness, the importance of unity, and the enduring power of light in dispelling darkness. It serves as a reminder that, irrespective of our diverse cultures and traditions, the values of love, compassion, and the pursuit of goodness are universal.

As the world comes together to celebrate Deepawali, the festival serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging everyone to strive for a brighter, more harmonious future. May the lights of Deepawali continue to illuminate our lives, fostering understanding, unity, and boundless joy.
-R K Karnani
Nov 2023

Happy Deepawali!

शुभ दीपावली !

नवल ज्योति से नव प्रकाश हो
नई सोच हो नई कल्पना
चहुँ दिशी यश, वैभव, सुख बरसे
सदा पूर्ण हो हर सपना ! 
-दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभ-कामनाएँ !

–रविन्द्र कुमार करनानी 

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