Diwali

A little post on Diwali (in response to Sonia's msg)

Diwali is an Indian festival. it is known as the 'Festival of Lights'. It is one of the most important, and biggest festivals here. It is the ONE festival EVERYONE in INDIA, CELEBRATES :)

It is loud and colorful - a mix of the religious (think: christmas - prayers in homes and temples, flower arrangements, decorations) and lights and crackers (think: 4th of July kind of celebration).

People eat, drink, meet family and friends, are loud,cheerful with a lot of gifts and hugs being exchanged.

In the days before Diwali, there are a lot of Dinner-&-Cards parties (people play with money)...just a general time of joy and celebrations.

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, although the actual legends that go with the festival are different in different parts of India.

Homes are decorated with lights (especially angel lights) and diyas are lit - all homes blazing with light inviting the Goddess Lakshmi to visit the household and bless it with prosperity :)

see pics from my previous post: 1. of rangoli, 1 of a house lit up with lights on the occasion, the foods and sweets prepared as part of the celebrations.and offcourse, my colorful dinner drinks with friends :)

If you ever plan a trip to India, do it around the festivals.. you will love the burst of color and energy!