The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

FIXED FESTIVAL DATE

IN INDIA ON DECEMBER 22 THERE IS THE FEAST OF ST. RAMA.
(ST. RAMA WAS BANISHED FROM HIS HOMETOWN CITY AND
FINALLY RETURNED AFTER FOURTEEN YEARS). THE
CELEBRATION OF HIS RETURN IS CALLED PIWALI OR THE
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. DURING THIS FESTIVAL, SMALL
MUD LAMPS ARE LIT SYMBOLIZING THE EARTH'S PURITY;
SWEETS ARE EXCHANGED AMONG FRIENDS; FIRECRACKERS ARE
SET OFF AND THERE IS LOTS OF WINE DRUNK.

Where learned: LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Date learned: 10-02-1969