'Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi and Athiesm' by K.J.S.Chatrath

On the one hand I profess to be a non-believer in God and in all religions and on the other hand I also feel that participating in mass religious festivities is a part of our cultural heritage.

Yesterday was Diwali. I had a very quiet day. Having just returned from a trip abroad, I was half asleep and trying to get my household back on the move.

At around 5 pm I went to the nearby depot of Vita Milk to buy some,milk and juice. Having paid the money and collected the packet as I turned back, I saw a ten rupee note, a five rupee note and a coin of two rupees lying in front of my feet.

I quietly picked up the money and handed it over to the shop-keeper. No Sirji, you keep it, he said. No, Lakshmiji has come to your shop today on Diwali day so you must take it, I insisted.

Incidently this is a about a dozenth time in the last ten years or so that I have found money lying in front of me- no big amounts just ten rupee notes... ...

To believe in Goddess Lakshmi or not? I am confused.