Martha Stewart: Last News

Growing up with a Christian mother and Hindu father, neither religious, Diwali and Christmas were my two favorite holidays because it meant gifts were to be received and delicious food was to be served! Hostess with the mostest, my mother would go out of her way to make each holiday special, where I felt lucky to celebrate all the American, Christian, and Hindu holidays (thinking Jesus was a Hindu God for the longest time.)

Each fall, we would help my mother, aka Indian Martha Stewart, clean our house and garnish the entrance with vibrant decor, only to welcome the VIP Goddess Laxmi — a symbol of wealth, prosperity, beauty, and power. The origin dates back to 5064 BC, the year Ram came back to Ayodhya with Sita after killing Ravana. As Ram and Sita returned back to India from Sri Lanka, the kingdom lined up and lit oil lamps to welcome their arrival. Thus the festival’s name comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepawali,” which means “rows of lights.”

Flash forward to today, where for us Indian American Hindu’s — Diwali is not just a celebration of the new year, it is the most auspicious annual event recognizing the triumph of good over evil. Over a billion people globally are joining hands while praying that their hopes, desires, and dreams come true.

Queerness in Hinduism

An outspoken teenager confused about religion, I took it upon myself to learn about all faiths and their views on homosexuality, afterlife, and the consequences of sin. In studying Hinduism beyond what my peers shared — I learned that Hinduism is the most liberal and open-minded group of teachings to exist. So liberal in fact — it is very queer. I don’t know if the Mughal conquerors or the British colonizers are to blame for India’s conservative nature — but when one digs into our scriptures — our holidays are all a celebration of mind, body, and soul. 

• First Transgender Gods: Vishnu and Shiva have both been noted for transforming into female form — where Ardhanarishvara means “The Lord whose half

Martha Stewart