Page 5 - Mayilpeeli December

DECEMBER 2020
MAYILPEELI
Monthly Newsletter
Diwali - The festival of lights
By Gauri Binup
A whirlwind of bright colors- blue, green, red, pink, and the
sparkly hope of the classic, fizzling, golden yellow.
A barrel of laughter passed ‘round the dinner table,
shoulders jostling and fists smacking the tabletop as in harmony with giggles and chortles and bellowed guffaws. An atmosphere thrumming with electricity, the night air brimming with brisk, crisp winds. It’s buzzing with the energy of anticipation, the magic of a million flickering flames, the sharp crackle of a firecracker or two.
Ah yes, the festival of lights.
No matter where you are, this festival is the feeling of home and a celebration of the good. It’s remembering Lord Rama, who finally stepped foot in Ayodhya for the first time in fourteen years. Lord Rama, who returned fresh from a victorious battle with the demon Ravana. Lord Rama, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, the three who remained with each other throughout their journey, from the Kingdom of Kosala to Dandaka forest to Lanka, to home once again.
And their return was met with open arms.
Clay lamps lined the streets, and the subjects smiled and rejoiced at
the coming home of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana.
This festival also means remembering Lord Krishna, who, with his wife
Satyabhama, slayed the demon Narakasura in yet another victory of
good over evil. Both stories behind it reflect a similar sentiment- this festival is
definitely the feeling of home and a celebration of the good. So always remember to celebrate, too! Clean your homes and welcome good fortune from Goddess Lakshmi. Make bright, colorful, swirling designs of sand (rangoli) to welcome people into your abode. Participate in pooja and prayer alongside your loved ones. Gift and receive! Feast away! And never forget to line up and light your tree lights and candles and lamps and clay lamps, too! Diwali is also called deepa- (lamps) -avali(a group of) for a reason!
So when you’re enveloped in the hugs of friends and family, gasping at the burst of light from a freshly sputtering rocket, crunching on a sweet treat, briefly lamenting the dying embers of a burnt-out sparkler before trading it in for a newer one, and when you’re basking in the all-encompassing warmth that tickles your heart, remember the boundless joy this day has always brought - with Lord Rama and Lord Krishna - and share that joy with those around you. The festival of lights is the feeling of home and a celebration of the good.
12/5/20- Akhanda Nama Japam IMPORTANT DATES
12/12/20-Laksharchana
12/16/20-Kuchela Dinam
12/19/20- Vilakku Pooja and G.O.D make up class 12/20/20-Mid Term Exam
12/26/20-41st Day - Mahamandala pooja 12/27/20-No class
12/29/20-Dhanumasa Thiruvathira
MONTH OF DECEMBER