Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivaratri for the year 2018 is celebrated/ observed on Wednesday, February 13. Maha Shivaratri is a festival also known as Great Night of Shiva and Shivaratri celebrating the Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva. There is a Shivaratri in every luni-solar month of the Hindu calendar, on the month’s 13th night/14th day, but once a year in late winter (February/March, or Phalguna) and before the arrival of spring, marks Maha Shivaratri which means “the Great Night of Shiva.”

It is a major festival in Hinduism, but one that is solemn and marks a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, no injury to others, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva. The ardent devotees keep awake all night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingams. This is an ancient Hindu festival whose origin date is unknown.

The major Jyotirlinga Shiva temples of India, such as in Varanasi and Somnatha, are particularly frequented on Maha Shivaratri. They serve also as sites for fairs and special events.

The Isha Yoga Center near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu is frequented during the festival. Around 600,000 to 800,000 devotees participate in the all-night festival conducted by Sadhguru, and visit the 112-foot Adiyogi Shiva statue at the center.

The Mandi fair is in the town of Mandi is particularly famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It transforms the town as devotees pour in. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to number more than 200, assemble here on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Mandi, located on the banks of Beas, is popularly known as the “Cathedral of Temples” and one of the oldest towns of Himachal Pradesh, with about 81 temples of different Gods and Goddesses on its periphery.

Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival in Kashmir Shaivism, found in north Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent. It is celebrated as the anniversary of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.

Central India has a large number of Shiva followers. The Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain is one of the most venerated shrines consecrated to Shiva where a large congregation of devotees gathers to offer prayers on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Tilwara Ghat in the city of Jabalpur and the Math Temple in the village of Jeonara, Seoni are two other places where the festival is celebrated with much religious fervour.

In Gujarat mahashivratri mela is held at Junagadh where bathing in the Damodar Kunda is considered holy. According to myth Lord Shiva himself comes to bath in the Damodar Kunda.

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated widely in the temples all over Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Lord Shiva is known to have swallowed poison, which he held in his throat that in turn turned him blue. Maha Shivratri is often linked to the colour blue. The colour blue symbolizes the vast sea and sky, and is associated with feelings such as depth, stability, wisdom, loyalty, truth, faith etc.

 

Republic Day

Republic Day honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.

The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country’s transition towards becoming an independent republic. 26 January was chosen as the Republic day because it was on this day in 1930 when Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the Dominion status offered by British Regime.

Much effort is put towards organizing events and celebrations that occur on Republic Day in India. Large military parades are held in New Delhi and the state capitals. Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and traditional dance troupes take part in the parades.

A grand parade is held in New Delhi and the event starts with India’s prime minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, to remember soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. India’s president takes the military salute during the parade in New Delhi while state governors take the military salutes in state capitals. A foreign head of state is the president’s chief guest on Republic Day.

Awards and medals of bravery are given to the people from the armed forces and also to civilians. Helicopters from the armed forces then fly past the parade area showering rose petals on the audience. School children also participate in the parade by dancing and singing patriotic songs. Armed Forces personnel also showcase motorcycle rides. The parade concludes with a “fly past” by the Indian Air Force, which involves fighter planes of flying past the dais, symbolically saluting the president. These leave trails of smoke in the colors of the Indian flag.

There are many national and local cultural programs focusing on the history and culture of India. Children have a special place in these programs. Many children receive gifts of sweets or small toys. A prime minister’s rally also takes place around this time of the year, as well as the Lok Tarang – National Folk Dance Festival, which occurs annually from January 24-29.

Every institution or organization such as buildings, schools, offices, hospitals etc host flags in their respective premises. All the participants put up entertaining and patriotic performances and speeches. They all dress up in the colours of the flag including white, saffron, green and blue, spend time together and share snacks. This day brings out many emotions and unites everyone as residents of this beautiful country India.

 

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami, also spelled Basant Panchami, is a Hindu spring festival. It is observed on the fifth day of the Indian traditional calendar month of Magha, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of January or February.

The festival is celebrated in various ways depending on the region. Many revere goddess Saraswati, the Hindu deity of learning, arts and music. She is celebrated with visits to her temples, by playing music, as well as the day when parents sit down with their children, initiate them into writing letters of alphabet or study together.

Others mark it as the festival of god Kama, the Hindu deity of love, by remembering the loved one particularly one’s spouse or special friend, celebrating it with spring flowers. Its link with the god of love and its traditions have led some scholars to call it “a Hindu form of Valentine’s Day”. Others wear yellow clothes and eat yellow rice to emulate the yellow mustard (sarson) flower fields, or play by flying kites.

The Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for Holika bonfire and Holi, which occurs forty days later.

According to a popular belief, goddess Saraswati – the deity of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology – was born on this day and people worship her to achieve wisdom. According to the Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day. This festival is celebrated in north India with full glee and delight.

As per another Basant Panchami story, God Rama ate half tasted grapes of Mata Shabari on Basant Panchami. To commemorate the beliefs, the festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated. The day of Basant Panchami is considered as the beginning of life. This day is the day of arrival of happiness. The season of spring is the season of rebirth and renewal. In this season, fields of yellow mustard charm everyone’s heart. Therefore, it is also considered auspicious by many to wear yellow on Basant Panchami.

The color yellow is the predominant color associated with the festival, the origins of which are supposed to be the fields of mustard, which can be seen in Punjab and Haryana during this period. Kite flying is also commonly associated with this festival. Children as well as adults fly kites on this day to celebrate freedom and enjoyment. ‘Yellow’ is the dominant color of this festival as it signifies the ripening of fruits and crops. The mustard fields in North India blooms during this season giving a yellow coat to nature. People wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers to Goddess and put a yellow, turmeric tilak on their forehead. They visit temples and offer prayers to various gods. New clothes are purchased for this festival and many delicious dishes prepared for this particular occasion.

Another tradition associated with this day is that of initiating studies in the young. Young children often begin learning on this day, which is believed to be the reason why the school sessions start in the month of March. Sweets with a yellow hue are also distributed on this day and people can also be seen donating books and other literary material to the poor.

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti

Swami Vivekananda was an Indian Hindu monk. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world. The 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (12 January 2013) was celebrated all over India and in different countries of the world. Year-long events and programs were organized by different branches of Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission, central government and different state governments of India, education institutions, youth groups etc. Bengali film director Tutu (Utpal) Sinha made a film The Light: Swami Vivekananda as a tribute to Swami Vivekananda on his 150th birth anniversary. The movie was released on 23 August 2013.

 

Swami Vivekananda was always seen wearing orange and white colour clothing. Orange symbolizes emotions such as warmth, joy, enthusiasm and happiness and white is a statement for peace. He was associated with the youthful and young energy and the colour of his clothes reflected the same.

 

The Government of India in the year, 1984 decided to celebrate the birthday of great Swami Vivekananda i.e. 12th January as a National Youth Day every year. As the Government of India had quoted and realized that ‘ the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.’

The National Youth Day is observed all over India at schools and colleges, with processions, speeches, recitations, music, youth conventions, seminars, Yogasanas, presentations, competitions in essay-writing, recitations and sports on 12 January every year.

Swami Vivekananda’s lectures and writings, deriving their inspiration from Indian spiritual tradition and the broad outlook of his Master Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, are the source of inspiration and have motivated numerous youth organizations, study circles and service projects involving the youth.

Last year i.e. the 155th Birthday Tithi Puja of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated in the Temple of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, on Thursday, the 19th January 2017.

The day started with Sehnai recital at 4.30 a.m. when the gates of the temple were opened for devotees. At 5.00 a.m. with the blowing of the conch shell, the mangalarati started. After the Aarti was over, Vedic chanting was done by monastics of the Order.

Br. Madhurachaitanyaji did the Special Puja under the guidance of Swami Amritapurnanandaji. Swami Swasamvedyanandaji Maharaj simultaneously did Chandipath and a few devotional songs were rendered on Swamiji when puja started. Afterwards khichuri prasad was distributed to people and about 100 persons including monastics, volunteers and devotees took prasad sitting in the dining hall.

Every year Swami Vivekananda Jayanti or the National Youth Day is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The celebrated events are a perfect blend of spiritual and fun filled activities. And it is always looked forward to as it was in the honour of a very great man who still resides in all of our hearts.

Pongal

Pongal is a harvest festival dedicated to the Sun. It is a four-day festival, which according to the Tamil calendar is usually celebrated from 14 January to 17 January. This day coincides with [Makara Sankranti] which is celebrated throughout India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

 

Pongal is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Tamil people in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Union Territory of Pondicherry, and the country of Sri Lanka, as well as Tamils worldwide, including those in Malaysia, Mauritius, South Africa, the United States, Singapore, Canada, Myanmar (Burma) and the UK. Thai Pongal corresponds to Makara Sankranti, the harvest festival celebrated throughout India.

 

Many cultural events in Chennai and the rest of Tamil Nadu are held during Pongal such as Chennai Book Fair and Lit for Life. From 1916 to 1952, annual cricket matches between Indians and Europeans called Madras Presidency Matches were held during Pongal.

Pongal is the happiest festival for farmers. They all celebrate their crop and harvest by gathering and performing their traditional rituals. They dress up in their colourful outfits. The colours seen all over the place marks this festival. The beautiful outfits, the mesmerizing decorations, the ritual goods etc are just examples.

The entire festival is stretched over four days.

Bhogi

The day preceding Pongal is called Bhogi. On this day people discard old belongings and celebrate new possessions. The people assemble at dawn in Tamil Nadu to light a bonfire in order to burn the discards. Houses are cleaned, painted and decorated to give a festive look. The horns of oxen and buffaloes are painted in villages. In Tamil Nadu farmers keep medicinal herb (neem, avram, sankranti) in northeast corner of each fields, to prevent crops from diseases and pests. This day is celebrated in Punjab as Lohri and in Assam as Magh Bihu.

 

Thai Pongal

On the second day of Pongal, the puja or act of ceremonial worship is performed when rice is boiled in milk outdoors in an earthenware pot and is then symbolically offered to the sun-god along with other oblations. All people wear traditional dress and markings, and their is an interesting ritual where husband and wife dispose off elegant ritual utensils specially used for the puja.

 

Maatu Pongal

Maatu Pongal is celebrated the day after Thai Pongal. Tamils regard cattle as sources of wealth for providing dairy products, fertilizer, and labor for plowing and transportation. On Maatu Pongal, cattle are recognized and afforded affectionately. Features of the day include games such as the popular Jallikattu, known as the taming of bulls.

 

Kaanum Pongal

The Fourth day is known as Knau or Kannum Pongal day. On this day, a turmeric leaf is washed and is then placed on the ground. On this leaf are placed, the left overs of sweet Pongal and Venn Pongal, ordinary rice as well as rice colored red and yellow, betel leaves, betel nuts, two pieces of sugarcane, turmeric leaves, and plantains. In Tamil Nadu women perform this ritual before bathing in the morning.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti refers both to a specific solar day in the Hindu calendar and a Hindu festival in reference to deity Surya (sun) that is observed in January every year. It marks the first day of sun’s transit into the Makara (Capricorn), marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.

 

Makar Sankranti is one of the few ancient Hindu festivals that have been observed according to solar cycles, while most festivals are set by the lunar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar. Being a festival that celebrates the solar cycle, it is a very colourful and bright festival. Everyone dresses up in gorgeous ethnic clothing, elders make special desserts, kids run around with their kites, fighting about who is capable of flying it the highest.

 

Makar Sankranti is observed with social festivities such as colorful decorations, rural children going house to house, singing and asking for treats, melas (fairs), dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts. Many go to sacred rivers or lakes and bathe with thanksgiving to the sun. Every twelve years, the Hindus observe Makar Sankranti with one of the world’s largest mass pilgrimage, with an estimated 40 to 100 million people attending the event. At this event, they say a prayer to the sun and bathe at the Prayaga confluence of the River Ganga and River Yamuna at the Kumbh Mela, a tradition attributed to Adi Shankara.

 

In Maharashtra on Makar Sankranti day people exchange multicoloured halwa and til-gul laadoo (sweetmeats made from sesame seeds and jaggery). Puran poli  (a kind of a sweet bread) and some gram flour, which has been toasted to golden in pure ghee, are offered for lunch. While exchanging til-gul as tokens of goodwill people greet each other with the words “til-gul ghyaa, aani goad-goad bolaa” meaning ‘Accept this til-gul (sweet) and utter sweet words’. The underlying thought in the exchange of til-gul is to forget the past ill feelings and hostilities and resolve to speak sweetly and remain friends.

 

Makar Sankranti is all about prayers, sweets, and kites. Festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great zest in all parts of India. On the day of Makar Sankranti, The sun starts its journey to the Northern Hemisphere. Speaking from astrological perspective, the sun enters Makar rashi (Capricorn, the sunsign). Devotees take dips in the holy water and offer prayers to the sun.

Makar Sankranti is a blissful festival celebrated by Hindus. All enthusiasts step out of their houses and enjoy flying kites. Colourful kites fill the sky on the auspicious day of Sankranti. The significance of Makar Sankranti is greater in Maharashtra. People send greeting cards to their friends and relatives. Offering prayers to various deities starts today. People visit temples to bow their heads in front of supreme power.

CHAKRAS AND THEIR RELATION WITH COLOURS

The human body consists of 7 principal chakras which are the centers through which energy flows. They lie across seven different points on the spinal cord and are connected to different glands and organs in the body. Each chakra has its own governing colour that corresponds to the order of the colours of the rainbow. Each chakra is a centre of energy that expands to the surface of the body, thus connecting to the aura. Let’s find how each chakra and their respective colours play a role in our lives.

The Crown chakra is denoted by the colours Violet or White – The Divine

The Crown Chakra is found at the crown of the head and is represented by the colours Violet or White. This gives us access to higher states of consciousness as we open to what is beyond our personal preoccupations and visions. This colour and chakra is associated with the universal, connection with spirituality, consciousness. Use this energy to clean your being of negative and blocked energy.

The Third Eye Chakra is denoted by the Colour Indigo – Intuition

The third eye chakra is the center of intuition and foresightedness. It’s located on the forehead, between the eyebrows, It connects us to our spiritual self, also enables us to see the larger picture by imagining things and relating them to each other effectively by sharing essential ideas. It is represented by colour Indigo, which is a very spiritual color that promotes a feeling of being wise and spiritually developed. Use this energy to connect with yourself, and contemplate on the people and the situations in your life.

The Throat Chakra is denoted by the Colour Blue – Communication

The throat chakra is related to the element of sound. It is represented by the colour blue and is located at the center of the neck at the level of the throat. It is very crucial in the body and is associated with the human being’s ability to listen attentively and also to communicate with other people. The colour symbolizes self expression, expression of truth, creative expression, communication, perfect form and patterns. Use this energy to invigorate your true individuality, will power and your power to convert dreams into realities.

The Heart Chakra is denoted by the Colour Green – Love

The Heart Chakra adds colour to our life by adding compassion, love, and beauty. It acts as a center of integration of earthly matters and higher aspirations. It is located in the center of your chest and is represented by the colour Green which brings to mind thoughts and feelings of compassion, kindness and love and can make you feel healthy, alert and empathetic. Use this energy to encourage both self- love and trust, to be forgiving.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is denoted by the Colour Yellow – The Intellect

The Solar Plexus Chakra is represented by the colour of the sun, Yellow. It’s located just about three inches below the navel, at the center of your lower belly. This chakra is characterized by the expression of will, personal power, and mental abilities. Yellow represents mental courage, self-determination and strength. Use this colour energy to develop your aptitude to make right decisions and trust yourself.

The Sacral chakra is denoted by the Colour Orange – The Emotions

The Sacral chakra is represented by the colour Orange, which is the colour of creativity. It is located bellow the navel and promotes a feeling of warmth and security. The sacral chakra is the center of our feelings and sensations that is particularly active in our sexuality and the expression of our sensual and sexual desires. Use this colour energy for help in guidance as regards desire, and express your creativity and life force.

The Root Chakra is denoted by the Colour Red – The seat of Kundalini Power

The Root Chakra is said to be the densest of all the other chakras. It is the colour of life and the most powerful chakra. It’s represented by the colour red which represents passion fire and danger. It’s located at the base of the spine, connecting the spine and the suprarenal glands. The root chakra promotes the need for stability, safety and security. Use this colour energy to overcome your fear of the future and death.

Diwali

This festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartika, which falls sometime during October or November. It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of Exile and his victory over the Demon Ravana. In many parts of India, Diwali is celebrated for five consecutive days and is one of the most popular festivals in India.  Hindus regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and relationships. In some parts of India, it marks the beginning of the New Year. It is celebrated not only in India but also abroad. The Hindus worship the Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi during Diwali.

One of the most significant festivals in Indian culture, Diwali, the festival of lights, sees millions attend firework displays, prayers and celebratory events across the world every autumn.

Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for a variety of reasons celebrate the festival, although the main theme, which runs throughout, is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

To celebrate, houses are decorated with candles and colourful lights and huge firework displays are held while families feast and share gifts.

Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The actual day of Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the festival’s third day, which this year falls on Thursday, October 23. The festival usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, although this is decided upon by the Hindu lunar calendar. While each faith has its own reason to celebrate the festival, one of the most popular stories told is the legend of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom in northern India from exile after defeating the demon king Ravanna in the 15th century BC.

On the first day of Diwali, people consider it auspicious to spring clean the home and shop for gold or kitchen utensils.

On the second day, people decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand.

The third day is the main day of the festival when families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.

The fourth day is the first day of the new year when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.

On the last day of Diwali, brothers visit their married sisters who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.

This is one of the biggest and most auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindus. The entire festival is strongly marked by the presence of colours everywhere.

Starting from beautifully decorating the homes with pretty and colourful flowers to making designs outside of homes with powder colours. From wearing beautiful outfits depicting their tradition to giving gifts wrapped in packing papers with attractive designs and shades. It is a joyous and heartfelt celebration that one participates in with all excitement and love.

 

Dhanteras

The first day of Deepawali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi. It is al also known as Dhan Theras. Dhan means “wealth” and Trayodashi means “13th day”. In popular practice it is an auspicious day for shopping of utensils and gold. This year it will be celebrated on 17.10.2017.
In deeper terms, on this day Lord Vishnu’s un-manifest energy flows through Shri Laxami Devi’s Surya nadi (the right channel of the Kundalini) and the channel is activated. Thus the rays generated during the day are full of the ‘Tej tatva’ or the fire element. These ‘Tej’ rays spread all over the Universe and the whole Universe is illuminated by shiny golden particles.

Goddess Laxami’s chaitanya present in these golden particles provides opulence, prosperity and creates an environment conducive for spiritual practice. Hence on this day Goddess Laxmi is worshipped with utmost devotion. Because of the ritualistic worship with spiritual emotion, the Lord and controller of wealth – Kuber enters the earth’s environment and in this process Lord Ganesha removes the hindrances in way.

Thus by worshiping the coupled Divine energy of Goddess Laxami- the creator of wealth, Lord Kuber- the distributer of wealth and Lord Ganesha – the remover of obstacles in way, devotees are blessed with ability to attract wealth and thus fulfilling their desires.

This day has much significance. Many legends, beliefs and rituals are associated with celebration of this day.

Some among this are:

Buying Valuables. In a trance-like state, yamraj sat on top of the heap and spent the whole night listening to the melodious songs, thus missing his deadline and sparing the prince’s life. For this reason, this is considered an auspicious time to buy jewelry.

As per beliefs to appease lord Yamraj and to safeguard once family against sudden calamities or death like situations the oil filled diyas are kept burning throughout the night at main entrance and in southern corner of the house. This ritual is popularly known as Yamdeepdaan.

 

People celebrate this festival with great joy and happiness. They dress up in fancy ethnic clothes in bright colours such as yellow orange and red as a sign of wealth and prosperity. All the gold shops are lined up with customers excited o get their coins and jewelry as a sign of blessing.

Dhanteras is also an occasion to worship an incarnation of Vishnu – Lord Dhanwantari, the deity of health and the spirit of knowledge, as good health is first and foremost for everybody.

As per legend, Once Lord Indra was cursed by sage Durvasa that “The pride of wealth has entered his head and let Lakshmi leave him.” Lord Vishnu advised the devtas to churn the sea of milk.

Further when the sea is churned, Lakshmi who has disappeared will appear again and her grace will be bestowed on devtas. For churning the same, Mandara Mountain became the churning rod and Vasuki, the king of the serpents, became a rope. Lord Vishnu took the form of a tortoise and hoisted Mandara Mountain on his back and the churning started.

During churning in the midst of the waves of the sea of milk, a goddess with heavenly looks came into view.

The gods and demons continued to churn the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Finally Dhanavantri emerged carrying a jar of the nectar. Thus the churning of the ocean resulted in the immortality of the Devtas and was the reason for Lakshmi’s emergence.

 

CELEBRATING THE WORLD OF COLOURS

We, consciously or unconsciously, associate colours with almost everything we do or relate to. It plays so much in the choices we make. Whether it is choosing the food you want to eat or the clothes you want to wear, colours have huge influence in our decision making.

All the more, there is so much meaning and symbolism attached to colours that speak volumes even in void of words. Consider this, for most of us ‘red’ would mean romance or communism but not peace, and ‘black’, death and sophistication but not life; we presume things to be or not just with one glance!

Fascinatingly, most of the times colours also reflect our personality and thoughts. What makes a particular community wear black? Or why do the priests wear white? Indeed, the significance that colours carry is enormous.

It’s not the big inventions that changes minds, but small realizations that impact the world around you. Though colours add life to our universe and echoes the marvel of creation, most of the times we have failed to appreciate the value of its perpetual presence around us.

With being more than just a sight for the eye,if we can capture the heart of this reality, don’t you think the way we perceive things and the way we communicate would have so much more depth? Now, wouldn’t that be a life to die for?

And so this season, let the light that penetrates the thickest of darkness expand your consciousness; let the virtues of you or lifepaint your relationships with love and forgiveness.