Diwali - A Hindu Festival Of Lights, Lamps And Goddess Lakhsmi Poem by Bernedita Rosinha Pinto

Draped in red saree, bedecked with gold ornaments,
seated on a lotus, the image of Lakshmi
adorns most Hindu homes, and business establishments
as they believe that she is the giver
of prosperity and contentment.

Millions of Hindus in India and all over the world
light lamps inside and outside their houses,
making poojas and celebrating Diwali,
sharing sweets and gifts among friends and families,
confirming Diwali is what makes hearts more enthusiastic;
and that the blessings of the Goddess Lakshmi
is what will make their year ahead fill with prosperity.

Millions of Hindus believe that Lakshmi is the goddess
of wealth, fortune, power, luxury, beauty, fertility;
and that she holds the promise of fulfillment and contentment,
In their eyes, she is shakti, energy, boundless and bountiful.

Goddess Lakshmi is also known as:
Adi Lakshmi - the protector
Dhanya Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth
Gaja Lakshmi - the giver of power of royalty
Santana Lakshmi - the goddess of bestowing offspring
Veera Lakshmi - the goddess of strength and courage
Vijaya Lakshmi - the Goddess of victory
Vidya Lakshmi - the bestower of knowledge.

And as Goddess Lakshmi exudes so much fervency,
millions of Hindus delight in their faith in her
by lighting their houses, their hearts
with vibrancy so visible
that their balconies display Kandeels, Diyas and Rangoli.

As Diwali celebration commences
children keep running around the house
women keep serving sweets, men keep welcoming guests
all keep smiling, wearing new clothes
and keep merrily repeating the tradition
of celebrating Diwali year after year
with pomp and splendour, and a gaiety
so full of brightness and vivacity
that every home whether of the richest or the poorest
has a lamp of love shining humbly in their door,
to invite the blessings of the Goddess Lakshmi.