Maha Sivaratri

Not only is the Maha Kumbha Mela in full swing, Thursday is one of the biggest celebrations in all of India: Maha Sivaratri. The streets have filled with thousands of Indian pilgrims, chanting and making their way up to Neelkanth, the sacred Shiva temple up behind Ram Jhulla. It's all holiness, all the time.

And next Wednesday the 17th is Ash Wednesday, a traditional day of fasting for Catholics and the official beginning of Lent.

Now, I am not a Catholic or Hindu or Muslim. But we are peacefully non-denominational in these parts, so we can celebrate everything!

Lent is a time of repentance and cleansing and whether you are Catholic or not, it can be a good idea to choose something to give up for the 40 (46) days leading up to Easter.

Because fasting is one way to develop willpower and self-discipline, which is good for everyone. I'm thinking I will give up coffee and white sugar, since there's not much else left to give up. But if you're a meat-eater...well...it's a no-brainer, really. :)

Tomorrow morning I'm off for some intensified practice, back on the radar after the 22nd. Until then, I send my love and best wishes during this particularly holy season..

Hari Om,
LMA