FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK: DEEPAVALI – “THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS” -THE CELEBRATION OF THE VICTORY OF LIGHT OVER DARKNESS – Deepavali—“the Festival of Lights”—is one of the most significant, joyous and popular festivals of India. In Sanskrit, deepa means “lamp” and avali is “row.” Thus, the name Deepavali refers to the rows of small clay lamps, known in Hindi as diyas, that are lit in homes, temples, and streets during this festival; SOUTH SIKKIM, INDIA: THE BUDDHA PARK OF RAVANGLA – Ravangla is situated at an elevation of 8000 ft. The small picturesque semi town is on the Gangtok-Gaysiling highway.
