Bright lights, bright colors, food, and fireworks. It might sound like the Fourth of July, but Diwali is something else entirely.
This year Diwali is celebrated on November 8, 2026
Diwali, Divali, Deepavali or Dipavali is a four to five day-long festival of lights. Chiefly celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists every autumn in the northern hemisphere. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.”
Light is a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated. The preparations, and rituals, for the festival typically last five days, with the climax occurring on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar, the festival generally falls between mid-October and mid-November.
What Diwali literally means
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The name “Diwali” is actually short for Dipawali (or Deepawali) which refers to the clay lamps (“deepa“) that celebrants arrange in rows (“avali“) outside their homes.
Diwali is multi-culti
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Diwali began in the Hindu religion, but it’s been adopted across Indian culture (much like Christmas has been adopted across American culture). It’s also celebrated in many countries, particularly Asia. However, the United Kingdom’s observances of Diwali are among the world’s most colorful and lavish celebrations.
Food is an essential part of Diwali…
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“Indian sweets and desserts are called mithai and are a staple part of Diwali celebrations,” according to the Independent U.K. Many of the treats are fried foods made from sugar, chickpea flour, and condensed milk.
The Friday that comes before Easter is Good Friday. Good Friday has religious significance since it is the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. Good Friday is regarded as a day of mourning among Christians. Special church services are held on Good Friday. Read on to discover why we believe.
After much research and calculations, religious scholars concluded that Jesus’ crucifixion took place on a Friday. The estimated year of Jesus’ crucifixion is 33 AD. Good Friday is also referred to as Black Friday, Holy Friday, and Great Friday.
The Story of Good Friday
The famous Bible story begins with Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus. Despite being one of Christ’s disciples, Judas betrayed Christ. Jesus was brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Although Pilate could not find any evidence against Jesus, he gave in to the crowd’s clamor to crucify Christ. Christ was flogged, made to wear a crown of thorns, and eventually crucified alongside two common criminals. The story goes that when Christ finally gave up his spirit there was an earthquake. This happened on Friday, which later came to be known as Good Friday.
Jesus’s followers later placed his body in a tomb just before sunset. However, the wondrous tale does not end here. On the third day, which is now known as Easter, Jesus rose from the grave. As an American author, Susan Coolidge put it, “Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart!” This is why most Easter quotes brim over with happiness. A famous quote by Carl Knudsen goes, “The story of Easter is the story of God’s wonderful window of divine surprise.” It’s why we believe.
The Promise of Easter
The tale of Good Friday is incomplete without the optimism of Easter. Christ’s death by crucifixion is closely followed by his resurrection. Similarly, the promise of eternal life follows the despair of death. 20th century English Christian leader and Anglican cleric John Stott once proclaimed, “We live and die; Christ died and lived!” In these words lies the promise of Easter. The gloom of death is replaced with unsullied joy, an optimism that shines through in these words of St. Augustine, “And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.” If you seek a deeper understanding of Christianity, this collection of Easter quotes and sayings may be insightful.
Sacrifice and Triumph
Christ’s death on the cross is regarded as the supreme sacrifice. The crucifixion and the following resurrection are widely regarded as the triumph of good over evil. Augustus William Hare, writer, historian and reverend, expressed his beliefs beautifully in the following lines, “The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it.” Learn more about the Christian beliefs about Christ’s crucifixion with these Good Friday quotes below.
Good Friday Traditions
The prevailing mood on Good Friday is that of repentance, not celebration. Churches remain undecorated on this Friday of the Holy Week. Church bells do not ring. Some churches cover the altar with black cloth as a sign of mourning.
On Good Friday, pilgrims to Jerusalem follow the path Jesus walked carrying his cross. The pilgrims stop at the twelve “stations of the cross”, as a reminder of Jesus’ sufferings and death. Similar walks are observed around the world, especially among Roman Catholics who undertake the walk in a bid to atone for Jesus’s agonies.
Special services are held in many churches. Some organize dramatic renderings of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ.
Relevance of Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday
Children often look forward to eating hot cross buns on Good Friday. Hot cross buns are so-called because of the pastry cross that runs across them. The cross reminds Christians of the cross on which Jesus died. In addition to eating hot cross buns, families often clean their homes on Good Friday to prepare for the big celebration on Easter Sunday.
The Good Friday Message
Among other things, Good Friday is a reminder of the compassion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you believe in religion, Good Friday tells us a tale of hope. The Bible upholds the teachings of Jesus — words of wisdom that are valid even after two thousand years.
Jesus spoke of love, forgiveness, and truth, and not of violence, fanaticism, or revenge. He urged his followers to tread the path of goodness. Regardless of whether Good Friday is near or far, we all stand to gain from these Jesus Christ quotes. Spread the Good Friday message of compassion and love through these quotes.
John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.
Augustus William Hare The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it.
Robert G. Trache Good Friday is the mirror held up by Jesus so that we can see ourselves in all our stark reality, and then it turns us to that cross and to his eyes and we hear these words, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” That’s us!
Theodore Ledyard Cuyler Exalt the Cross! God has hung the destiny of the race upon it. Other things we may do in the realm of ethics, and on the lines of philanthropic reforms; but our main duty converges into setting that one glorious beacon of salvation, Calvary’s Cross, before the gaze of every immortal soul.
William Penn So shall we join the disciples of our Lord, keeping faith in Him in spite of the crucifixion, and making ready, by our loyalty to Him in the days of His darkness, for the time when we shall enter into His triumph in No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.
Robert G. Trache There is no faith in Jesus without understanding that on the cross we see into the heart of God and find it filled with mercy for the sinner whoever he or she may be.
Bill Hybels God led Jesus to a cross, not a crown, and yet that cross ultimately proved to be the gateway to freedom and forgiveness for every sinner in the world.
T. S. Eliot The dripping blood our only drink, The bloody flesh our only food: In spite of which we like to think That we are sound, substantial flesh and blood– Again, in spite of that, we call this Friday good.
Anzac Day is a National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. It broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.”
Here are some photos of these warriors in action.
Australian troops travel in an M113 armored personnel carrier (APC), to provide protection for East Timorese firefighters
The cross of Long Tan, Vietnam 2013. During the Vietnam War, 108 Australian soldiers stood against some 1,500 to 2,500 Vietnamese forces near the village of Long Tan. The enemy forces were soundly defeated.
The body of Private Michael (Mick) Alwyn Bourke, 1 RAR, is farewelled at a ceremony at Tan Son Nhut airbase before being flown back to Australia.
Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates 37 dead Kiwi soldiers
The Australian Tracker Dog Unit in the Vietnam war
Members of the Royal New Zealand Artillery (RNZA) firing an M2A2 Howitzer.
I wanted to post these photos to honor those men and women from Australia and New Zealand. Those who fought to defend the South Vietnamese people against the communists from the north.
There are many things associated with Dad’s: barbecues, monochromatic footwear, and toolboxes. But perhaps the most universal Dad-trait is classic “Dad-isms” and dad jokes. Ahead of Father’s Day weekend, here’s some of the common dad-isms we’ve come to love (or hate) so much.
There’s something about fruit salad that calls out to me to have two servings. Just take a look at this beauty. It’s a recipe from Julia so it has to be good, and healthy. Here’s how to prepare it.
Winter Fruit Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing – healthy, gluten free salad that utilizes seasonal winter fruit. This colorful and vibrant side dish will look great on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table! The ingredient list includes red apples, pears, clementine oranges (or mandarin oranges), kiwi fruit, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. This salad is packed with antioxidants, vitamins – all the good stuff you need, especially in the Winter.
How to make winter fruit salad
Combine all salad ingredients (red apples, pears, kiwi fruit, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, clementine oranges) in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of lime juice).
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
Serve immediately.
Why make this salad?
This healthy winter fruit salad will fill you up with the nutrients and the vitamins during the cold winter months. It will also make a great holiday menu item, for Thanksgiving or Christmas or any other holiday.
Salad ingredients include red apples, pears, kiwi fruit, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, clementine oranges (you can use mandarin oranges, too) – all of that tossed in a delicious maple-lime dressing!
Thank you, Julia. Please send any leftovers to me. j/k
The clock is ticking, the day is getting nearer. That’s right, it’s Thanksgiving Day fast approaching. Are you ready for it? We in the U.S. think of this day as the start of the holiday season, which won’t end until the day after New Years Day.
Employers think of this as la-la time as many employees have something other than work on their minds. First, its’s Thanksgiving, then the Black Friday shopping adventure, followed by Cyber Monday when shoppers go crazy buying on the web. Next, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the best/worst days of the year depending on your family situation. We top it all off with a New Years Eve celebration to beat all and New Years Day football marathon to kick back. Whew. No wonder it’s call la-la time.
The Beginning
So let us begin at the beginning. Thanksgiving, the busiest travel time for Americans, is always the fourth Thursday of November. A good thing for those who must prepare the meal, but a bad thing for shoppers as their time for shopping has been reduced by about a week.
Now about the turkey, and the trimmings. It’s time to plan the meal to prepare it, or to order it. Further, to make reservations to visit the host of restaurants that will be serving it to you and your party. That sounds ideal but does take away the intimacy of the event. Either way, get cookin’. Time is marching on. This year, no last minute preparations. You got this, so just do it. Make this a very Happy Thanksgiving!
In the U.S. Thanksgiving is November 28, the last Thursday in November (Also my birthday). Now is the time to get some decorating ideas percolating. Here are 10 ideas to get you started planning that wonderful get-together. This is the first of a series of ideas.
1. Thanksgiving Fruit Platter
This would look cute in the middle of all your appetizers!
2. Thankful Pumpkin
What a great way to say what you’re thankful for! Keep this decoration for years to come!
3. Thankful Tree
Share what you’re thankful for on pretty tree branches!
4. White Pumpkin Centerpiece
LOVE this! It’s so simple and pretty and has a personalized touch!
5. Grater Centerpiece
Old and Rusty turned beautiful! Love this!
6. Forks, Knives & Spoons!
Cute and useful! Keep this for many years!
7. Kids Thankful Turkeys
Make the Thanksgiving Table more fun with this classic!
8. Turkey Handprint Tablecloth
Personalize your Thanksgiving!
9. Personalized Acorns
Who would have thought! I love this idea!
10. Classic Centerpiece
You can work off of this! I think it’s a fun start!
United Nations Day is devoted to making known to people of the world the aims and achievements of the United Nations Organization. United Nations Day is part of United Nations Week, which runs from 20 to 26 October.
United Nations Civics Lesson
The United Nations is an international organization that was established after World War II to keep the world at peace. It is located in New York City, New York. Almost all of the countries of the world belong to the United Nations. It is often called the UN and its role has expanded to include encouraging respect for human rights and reducing poverty. (3 pages)
What is the United Nations?
It is an international organization that promotes peace and human rights.
It is also called the UN.
Where is the United Nations located?
The United Nations has offices in many countries, but its headquarters is in New
When was the United Nations created?
It was created in 1945 after World War II ended.
World War II was the most destructive war in human history.
Who meets in the UN General Assembly Hall?
Representatives and leaders from many different countries meet here.
They discuss important problems like war, poverty, and hunger.
What is the woman in this picture doing?
She is getting water from a barrel.
Many poor people do not have clean drinking water.
The UN tries to help poor people get enough water and food.
How many people live in slums?
About one billion (1,000,000,000) people live in slums.
The United Nations has a program called UN-HABITAT.
The goal of UN-HABITAT is “adequate shelter for all.”
Why does the United Nations have tanks?
UN troops use them to prevent fighting between or within countries.
Raksha Bandhan is a popular and traditionally Hindu annual rite or ceremony that is central to a festival of the same name celebrated in South Asia. It is also celebrated in other parts of the world significantly influenced by Hindu culture. On this day, sisters of all ages tie a talisman or amulet called the rakhi around the wrists of their brothers. They symbolically protect them, receive a gift in return, and traditionally invest the brothers with a share of the responsibility of their potential care.
Raksha Bandhan is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which typically falls in August. The expression “Raksha Bandhan” (Sanskrit, literally “the bond of protection, obligation, or care”) is now principally applied to this ritual.
en.wikipedia.org/
The RAKSHA BANDHAN is the festival, so dearest, Where sister ties the sacred thread around her brother’s wrist, Which is held in the Hindu month of Shravan, Witnessed by the auspicious full moon from the Heaven, Profuse with sisterly adoration, And awe-inspiring sentiment of brotherly affection, A festival of deep bond of emotion, Wherein a brother promises fortification, Of his sister from any danger unforeseen , An ultimate ‘bond of protection’ though unwritten, Yet this thread is not an ordinary twine, But solemn undertaking given.
Rakhi is not mere a knot between blood related brothers and sisters, It is sacred knot between neighbours, And other society members, To keep the fabric of society united, To ensure communal concord, History is replete with several examples, Where Rajputs & Maratha queens sent Rankhis, To the Mughal kings, And won their support at the time vcritical There is also a story of Alexander the Great’s spouse, Sending a Rakhi to King Porus, Which King Porus accepted with immense respect And the promise was so fulfilled By not harming her husband Such is the sacred rakhi’s bond.
Such is the power of this ordinary thread, That it can keep even adversaries united.
Rakhi Thread becomes a link between brother and sister to remind each other that there exists somebody to care for him/her. It is, in other words, an emotional bond/link which brings forth the memories of the past days when both brother and sister had lived and brought up together. To say the least, I opine, sisterly love is next the motherly love. A simple woven thread, self made or purchased from market with great reverence cements relationship even further between brother and sister.
