Keep Moving Forward

Subscribe

festival

the last ornament

the last ornament

The snow fell softly on Pine Street as Margaret Chen locked the door of her small bookshop for the last time. After forty-two years, Chen's Corner Books would become just another empty storefront by New Year's. At seventy-three, she simply couldn't keep up anymore.

embracing the unknown: how Halloween teaches us to dance with our fears

embracing the unknown: how Halloween teaches us to dance with our fears

There's something profoundly paradoxical about Halloween. We dress as the things that terrify us, invite darkness into our homes through dimmed lights and flickering candles, and deliberately seek out experiences designed to make our hearts race. Yet on this night of manufactured terror, something magical happens: we laugh.

Holi: a global celebration of colors

Holi: a global celebration of colors

Holi, originally a Hindu festival marking the arrival of spring, has transcended its religious and cultural origins to become a global phenomenon celebrated across continents. While its roots lie in India, Holi's exuberant spirit and colorful expression have captivated people worldwide, each region adding its unique touch to

Mahashivratri: embracing the vast emptiness

Mahashivratri: embracing the vast emptiness

In the rhythmic cycles of the Hindu calendar, Shivratri marks the darkest night of each month—a time when the moon's light recedes to its minimum, leaving us in near-complete darkness. While conventional wisdom might suggest we should fear or avoid darkness, Shivratri, and particularly Mahashivratri, invites us

the spiritual significance of Dhanteras

the spiritual significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, holds immense spiritual significance in the Hindu calendar. Traditionally dedicated to wealth, health, and well-being, Dhanteras is not merely a day for material prosperity but embodies deeper spiritual undertones rooted in ancient Hindu teachings. Observed on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in

Ganesh Chaturthi: celebrating the Elephant-Headed God of new beginnings

Ganesh Chaturthi: celebrating the Elephant-Headed God of new beginnings

“The significance of Ganesh is that he is supposed to remove all obstacles. This does not mean that he is going to come and take away all your obstacles. Ganesh has a big head. They removed his small head and put a big head on him. He is supposed to

an easter story: the gift of unexpected kindness

an easter story: the gift of unexpected kindness

Sarah stood outside the bakery, nose crinkling at the enticing aroma of warm cinnamon rolls. Her stomach rumbled, a harsh reminder of the meager breakfast she'd managed to scrounge. Easter Sunday, a day usually filled with family, joy, and a table overflowing with food, felt hollow this year.

holi: stories, symbolism, and significance

holi: stories, symbolism, and significance

Holi, the exuberant festival of colors, is a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of mythology, history, and seasonal joy. Celebrated in India and across the globe by the Indian diaspora, Holi is more than just a riot of color; it's a celebration of good over evil, love, and

25 Christmas quotes to ignite the holiday spirit

25 Christmas quotes to ignite the holiday spirit

Christmas, a time of twinkling lights, crackling fires, and hearts overflowing with warmth, stirs something deep within us. It's a season woven from childhood laughter, the aroma of gingerbread, and stories whispered by the glow of a Christmas tree. Yet, as the years tumble by, the magic sometimes

diwali: a festival of light, triumph, and symbolism

diwali: a festival of light, triumph, and symbolism

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world. Celebrated with fervor and joy, this Hindu festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. As families gather, homes are adorned with colorful