Source: Houston Chronicle
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/4277193.html
Early this morning, Ranjana Narasiman will begin her day with a ceremonial oil bath.
A traditional start to Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, the oil bath includes a small bottle of water from India's Ganges River. Whether poured over the head or added to the tub, the water symbolizes bathing in the Ganges.
"In India, the elders greet everyone during visits by saying 'Ganga Snanam Aacha?' or 'Have you had your bath in the Ganges?' In Houston, elders like myself call our friends and wish them Happy Diwali first and then ask about their Ganges bath," Narasiman said. "It's the same when we visit extended families."
Diwali or Deepavali as it's known in Sanskrit is one of the most important holidays of the year for Hindus. It marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, which is represented by lighting candles inside homes and setting off firewor