Diwali

Obviously, this is not an accurate depiction of the amazing festival that is Diwali. I posted the video clip because it is what inspired me to learn more about Diwali- so we can all thank TBS and the many re-runs of The Office that it airs for broadening my horizons a wee bit.
Diwali is celebrated in both India and Nepal and is popularly known as the "festival of lights". A more spirtual translation would interpret as "the awareness of the inner light." People who celebrate Diwali believe that with this awareness will come love, compassion and higher knowledge of the universe which will bring inner joy and peace. Although different regions in India choose to alter the celebration a little, each region includes either neon lights, clay pots or candles to represent the inner light. The festival takes place over five days and is based on the lunar calendar.
Historically, there were many signifigant events which took place that are honored during the festival, including the return of Lord Rama after fourteen years of banishment. Rows of lamps were lit to welcome him home, as lanterns are still lit during each Diwali. It also celebebrates the slaying of an evil king Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Both of these victories represent the truimph of good over evil.
Besides a lot of lamps and traditional festive Indian garb, it marks the end of their business year and the beginning of a new fiscal year. This is to give businesses good luck in the coming year and also is the time to clear outstanding debts from the previous year.
Traditionally, people exchange sweets and gifts and spend time with their loved ones. Diwali is a time to bury the hatchet and start over fresh. A fresh start that hopefully, for them, lasts a whole lot longer than some other "new year" traditions celebrated a little closer to my home. Maybe that is what I've been missing about resolutions and new beginnings. It shouldn't be about losing those last ten pounds, quitting smoking, or vowing to go to church every week- it should literally wipe away the last year's trangressions and grudges.
In 2010, Diwali falls on November 5th. I don't think you have to be a certain religion to exercise the beliefs associated with this holiday- you just have to want to be a better person to achieve the higher knowledge associated with the awareness of your inner light. I think maybe I will try it. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali_(The_Office)

http://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Diwali

My mind easily focuses on the place I've chosen for my first blog, since it was one of the stops we made on our honeymoon. It's always nice to be able to shamelessly squeeze in a reminiscent photo.

If you've never been to Natural Bridge, Virginia you should really make the trip.  It's not very far and it is one of the most beautiful natural structures you can drive to for a day or weekend trip.  The Natural bridge stands twenty stories tall and was created when a cavern below it collapsed a very long time ago.  Native American lore claim that this collapse happened just in time for the Monacan tribe to escape across it from an enemy. 

The bridge is wide enough that a state road actually travels across it.  That is one strong rock to hold all of the weight associated with tractor trailers driving over it every single day for decades!

You should definitely bring your hiking boots if you visit-the trail, it can be quite tiresome. It winds down from a visitor center/ gift shop building to the Natural Bridge itself, then continues on to visit a replicate village of the Monacan tribe.  There you can see all aspects of the everyday life of this culture, many of the people shown in this village are actual members of the Monacan Indian Nation of Virginia.  Beyond that, the trail visits an abandoned mine (although you can't actually go in it, of course) and the beautiful Lace Waterfalls before looping back to the Natural Bridge. 

It's really amazing to see something so old, where George Washington etched his name in the rock and many others have followed his lead. The natural beauty of this place will take your breath away, which is one of the reasons I chose to drag my husband there. I felt everyone should see it.

Unchanged for centuries (besides some wiring added for a dazzling light show and sound system), this place will really put you in your place- the immensity is humbling. 

The area also has caverns, a wax museum, toy museum and other tourist attractions.  The next time I get down that way, I will not miss Foam Henge. It's right down the road from Natural Bridge and yes, it's what it sounds like. (link below)




For more information on Natural Bridge and the attractions there:

http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/youth/default.htm

For information on Foam Henge:
http://www.virginiawind.com/virginia_travel/foamhenge.asp