India is a land of festivity. And one of the most famous annual events is Diwali, the festival of lights. As described in the famous historical epic, Ramayana, this day marks the return of Ramachandra, along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman, to Ayodhya [in Northern India] after 14 years of exile. Blissfully welcoming Ramachandra, the people of Ayodhya lit lamps all over the city symbolizing the joy and enlightenment of their hearts upon his return. This year Diwali was celebrated on the 11th of November.

From her days in Vrindavan, Jagattarini lovingly remembers the high spirits of the local people at this time of year. Diwali falls right in the middle of the sacred month of Kartik, when pilgrims offer lamps every evening in the many temples of Vrindavan. During the entire month, temples are ablaze with ghee-dipped cotton wicks in little clay cups.

*Pilgrims offering lamps in a temple in Vrindavan*

Here at The Sacred India Gallery we celebrated Kartik by offering lamps just as they do in Vrindavan.