Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, was celebrated this year starting on October 22. The holiday lasts for 5 days and is one of the most important holidays in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the darkest night of the year in the Hindu month of Kartik.  Many Hindus pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and light diyas (lamps), or small clay lamps.  In Bengal, Diwali is a time to worship Kali, the goddess of time and death.  It is a popular time to gather with family and friends to feast and enjoy sweets.  

We connect with Hindus during this time by sending thoughtful greetings to our Hindu friends, such as “Hoping Diwali brings warmth and peace into your life.” If invited, this is a good opportunity to join your Hindu friends in their celebration.  

We minister to Hindus in North America by building relationships and friendships with them. We connect with them by joining them in their holidays and inviting them to celebrate our American holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. These holidays provide natural opportunities to explain the spiritual significance of these holidays as well as the reason for the hope you have within you. 

The holiday season is right around the corner. Invite your friends to join you and don’t forget to wish them peace and warmth during their holidays. You never know what kind of opportunity God will provide.