What is Diwali?
Once a year in autumn, during the darkest new moon in the Hindu month Kartik, Hindu communities and temples will shine bright with millions of candles and lamps. This celebration, known as Diwali – or the festival of lights – dates all the way back to ancient times! Diwali 2017 is celebrated on October 19th and for several days after, depending on the family’s religion and traditions.
The traditional name of this holiday, Deepawali originates from the Sanskrit words deep, meaning light and avali, meaning row. Depending on the region and religion, the duration of the festival (3-5 days) as well as the history and origin of the holiday may vary. Although Diwali is mainly a family affair, Diwali is also a religious day for many Hindus. Many celebrate the holiday to bring prosperity and good health to their families.
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With the brightest rays of sunshine peeking through the still-bare foliage of April, it comes as no surprise that the April birth stone is none other than the long sought-after diamond. The stone’s name is derived from the Greek word “adamus”, meaning invincible; a fitting name for one of the hardest substances found in the world. While diamonds are most commonly colorless, they can be found in shades from yellow to pink to blue, depending on the impurities of the rock.