If you were born into one of the monotheistic Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) then you probably won't be celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, which has just started.
A sneaky confession here - my favourite Hindu god is Ganesh, the elephant-god. You do not muck about with Ganesh, or you're in serious trouble.
Hindu gods, unlike our monotheistic gods, have a habit of dropping in for a chat or a quick trample, and, although venerated, they are approachable if you have the right gifts to offer.
It isn't quite C of E, of course, and Hindus don't do Evensong, as far as I'm aware, but wouldn't it be wonderful to share the festival of light with other people of faith?
PS
That was going to be it, but writing it has sparked off an old memory, viz, sc., and to wit:
Years ago an Indian classical musician from Rochdale was invited to give a 'recital' as part of the season of monthly concerts that ran for many years in Heptonstall parish church. It was a wonderful evening. There was incense, there were rags, and before each rag he explained the scale that was to be used, and how scale and the subdivision of the beat was employed, and I was agog at this glimpse this wonderful musician had given me of music from a completely different culture.
The following week the PCC resigned en masse because a non-Christian had been playing heathen music in church.
That is us. And that is how others see us.
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