Diipavali Festival at the Prama Institute

Several devotees arrived early to cook and help set the diipas on the puja table, and throughout the dome. Everyone brought their favorite dish and several sweets, and Sister Miirabai brought prasad. Many new friends joined the celebration.

We began with Diipavali Prabhat Samgiitas, kiirtan and meditation. It seemed as if the Supreme and all of the devajonis (luminous beings) were singing along with us, as we felt warmth and love surround us. After meditation, Sister Haripriya read 3 Vaniis (spiritual verses) related to 'the light'. Didi Ananda Usa gave an inspiring talk on her experiences of Diipavali in India: children throwing crackers at her feet; tandava and kaoshiki demonstrations. I told the story of Diipavali - The Great Goddess with the help of Jiivanmukta on tablas. Didi led a long, concentrated kaoshiki, (spiritual dance given by Parvati) and the brothers gave a Tantric warrior tandava (spiritual dance for men given by Shiva) demonstration! We blessed the food with kiirtan and had a wonderful feast. Afterwards, fireworks for the children, and a warm bonfire capped the evening.

We all felt special grace in our hearts with our little efforts to help dispell the darkness with our light.