Does anyone else find it amusing that on November 3rd this year, daylight saving time ends and Diwali Celebration, the Festival of Lights begins?

I guess that means extra light for all of us! So remember, when you turn back the clock on Saturday, you won’t just gain an hour of daylight. You’ll also have Diwali festive lights flooding in!

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Click on a card to send.

Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of October or November every year. It is one of the biggest Hindu festivals as it ushers in the Hindu New Year. People light up bright lamps, enjoy Diwali fireworks, and serve a diverse range of delicious sweets.

Each day of Diwali has its own significance. On day one women consider it auspicious to clean homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils. On the second day, houses are decorated with clay lamps popularly known as diyas. Rangolis, traditional design patterns are also created on house entrances adding to the decor of the festival.

On the third day people pray to Goddess Lakshmi and indulge in mouth-watering feasts and enjoy fireworks. The next day is the first day of the Hindu New Year and people visit relatives with gifts and sweets. Last day of Diwali is marked by brothers visiting their married sisters and being treated with lots of love and a hearty meal.

The meaning and history of Diwali is also diverse. There are many stories related to Diwali’s history, but the most well known story (and my favorite) is the return of Lord Rama, a king of Ayodhya in Hindu scriptures, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after 14 years of exile. To celebrate their return, the people of Ayodhya lit up earthen lamps and burst crackers.

I’d love to experience the merriment on this festival and someday be part of this joyous occasion.

Until then, I’ve got a lot of Happy Diwali cards to send out, not just to those who celebrate Diwali, but also to simply send extra light to others when daylight savings end. Join me on this festive fun of lights!