Posted on 11/02/2005 6:57:27 PM PST by Coleus
Hindus worldwide are stocking up on firecrackers, succulent sweetmeats, 22-carat gold jewels and colorful, silk outfits to usher in Diwali on Nov. 1 -- the start of the Hindu new year.
Local merchants, such as Vinod Rai, the manager of Bhindi Jewellers in Newark, say "prosperity is key" to the holiday.
"Wealth comes into a Hindu's home during Diwali," says Mr. Rai, after he quietly blesses each corner of his store while a popular Hindu devotional prayer, "Om Jai Jagadish Hare," plays softly in the background. "Diwali brings us the most business of the year," representing more than half the store's annual sales, he says.
Diwali, considered to be an especially auspicious time of the year, also opens the floodgates to commerce. Many Hindu families delay key financial ventures, such as buying a car or renovating a house, until Diwali, a centuries-old celebration.
In order to prepare for the holiday, Hindu families buy specialty items, including agarbatti (incense sticks used in prayer), traditional wear such as chiffon saris, sweets, murtis (statues of Hindu deities) and gold jewelry, found at East Indian stores and businesses such as Mr. Rai's.
Large companies such as Intel Corp. also celebrate Diwali in style. The Santa Clara-based giant's Indian employee group (IINDIA) is expecting hundreds of its members to gather the week of Oct. 31 for Indian sweets and Chai, a spiced milk tea. IINDIA, one of 20 Intel employee groups, has seven nationwide chapters.
Several local restaurants hold Diwali parties as the holiday approaches. Sarovar Restaurant in Milpitas plans to have a Diwali Hungama, or celebration, complete with Indian cuisine and games, on Oct. 28.
But traditional Indian retailers and restaurants aren't the only ones trying to capitalize on the festivities. Hallmark is selling eight-packs of Diwali holiday cards,
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
Happy Diwali to all our Hindu freepers!
What does a Hindu?
Lay iggs! (Scottish accent required)
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