Divali, Dewali, Deepavali – all names for the festival of Light dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi. Four days of prayers, good food, lights and the giving of gifts. The festival celebrates the victory of the Pandava brothers over the devil, Narkashur who used to eat one person every day from a village in the jungle. One of the Pandava brothers, Bhim, killed the devil and the villagers celebrated that day as the first Divali. The first day of Divali is called Narakshur day, the second day is Laxmi Puja, the third day is Padava,(also Marathi New year) and the final day is Bhaubeej, (brothers’ day). Four days to eat good food including gulab jamun, sweets, dahi barra and an excuse for indulgence. At Divali time people spring clean their houses, sometimes painting the house, and decorate it with lights and lanterns called Kandils. At Awaas we made kandils from coloured paper and fixed them to lights bulbs. The kandils were made under Sainath's supervsion by volunteer reside...

My Mother  by Vin a y Shar ma What can I say about my Mother. There are so many great experiences I love and admire about my mother that it is difficult and unfair to write about just one which my mother had. Being strong, generous and optimistic are some of the great personal qualities my mother possessed. Ever since I can remember my mother has been a strong person. She reconciled my brothers, sisters and me, by helping my father and us emotionally, physically and spiritually by herself. My Mom gave her all to make sure her children had the essential amenities to grow happily and successfully and gave all of us the love and care she could. She would encourage us by simply saying 'Complaining is a useless way to solve problems, but becoming active in the issue is a great way to conquer". One lesson she has taught us the most was, how seriousness about our spiritual beliefs could provide us with a substantial stable life. She was such a  lovable person  that one ...