Diwali, the Indian New Year is known as the “Festival of Lights” for good reason. The thousands of flickering earthenware lamps, filled traditionally with mustard seed oil, and lit with a hand rolled cotton wick at both ends, are ubiquitous.
The star of the night is Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The exchange of good wishes between neighbors and friends is almost always accompanied by gifts of sugar laden, butter filled delicacies. Everyone celebrates in new colorful clothing as they congregate for fireworks and music to usher in the New Year. Naya Saal Mubarak ho! (Happy New Year).
