A Diwali stitching pattern has been added to the Stitching Cards web site. Diwali is a major Indian festival that is significant in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism, known as the “Festival of Lights”. The pattern was designed at the request of Stitching Cards customer Jasu who told me “Diwali falls on 17th of October and thought I better get stitching soon”.
The design features a lamp, the Om syllable formed by the lamp smoke, and the words Happy Diwali. Om is a sacred Hindu syllable that is said to represent Brahman, both as personal and impersonal God.
Even though Om symbolizes deep concepts of Hindu belief it is in regular use. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus wear a pendant with the sign of Om. The Om symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise and on family shrines.
Newly born children are ushered into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. Om is also a popular symbol used in contemporary body art and tattoos.