The Sanskrit phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning “The guest is like God,” reflects the value of showing the same respect and reverence to guests as one would to a deity. It embodies a deep cultural principle guiding the host-guest relationship, highlighting the importance of generosity, care, and hospitality.

This concept originates from the Taittiriya Upanishad, Shikshavalli I.11.2, which instructs individuals to regard their mother, father, teacher, and guest as divine: “matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava, atithidevo bhava.”

In essence, guests are to be treated with the respect and honor due to God. The Sanskrit term “Atithi” refers to someone who comes without prior notice, underscoring the spontaneous nature of visitors and the duty to welcome them at any time.

Neighbours become guests and guests become friend. 

We invite you to be our guest and join us for a night of poems, music and stories celebrating friendship, hospitality and community. 

We’ll be reading Unending Love by Rabindranath Tagore, Be nobody’s darling by Alice Walker, Filter by Suma Subramaniam and a Letter from Gaza by Ghassan Kanafani.