2013-11-05    Diwali and the Melbourne Cup

During these days from November 3 to 7,  Hong Kong's Indian and Nepalese communities are celebrating the Festival of Diwali (pronounced "Divali"). 
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in the world, but I must admit that until I came to Hong Kong, I did not know about it.

"Diwali" means "row of lamps", oil lamps being used to signify the triumph of good over evil, and to signify the light of knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Awareness of this Inner Light produces compassion and an awareness of the oneness of all things. I wish everyone a Happy Diwali!

Today, the first Tuesday of November, is also a special day in Australia: it's Melbourne Cup Day, which at noon Hong Kong time will see the running of one of the richest races in the world, offering total prize money of more than six million Australian dollars.

At the time of writing this I do not know the name of even one horse in the Melbourne Cup. But if there happens to be a horse with a name that has something to do with oil or lamps or light, maybe that horse might have a good chance in the Cup!