On the first day of college we were handed an optional Religious Identification Form to complete. Very simply, the form asked if we chose to identify with any of the listed religions or "Other," with a place to fill in what "Other" meant to us, and whether we wished to be contacted by campus...
Devotee after devotee padded barefoot up the stairs and across the temple hall.
Most carried foil-covered platters or Tupperware, which they peeled apart to add an offering to the hill of sweets, fruits and other dishes at the foot of the altar.
Diwali is a joyous festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists (Dharmic traditions) and the festive spirit expressed by those of "any, all and no faith." Though celebrated for different reasons, it has evolved from a pan-Indian festivity uniting multicultural...