Tag Archives: Diwali

Daily Life, India

D-Block Diwali

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We live in a southern New Delhi neighborhood called Vasant Vihar, which is split into several blocks. Ours is D like Delhi. Knowing Diwali night traditionally calls for excessive fireworks, we opted to stay around D-Block. To be more specific, we opted to stay on our sofa with an occasional foray to the balcony. Tony tried a few times to grade papers, but ultimately the explosions and high-pitched whistling of wayward firecrackers sent him back to the couch. We were slightly embarrassed when our landlord’s daughter came upstairs decked out in turquoise chiffon and sequins to bring us small oil lamps called “diyas.” Wearing sweatpants, an old T-shirt and glasses, I followed her out to our balcony, where she placed them on the railing. Downstairs, her mother positioned more lamps along the garden wall.

Lights are key to attracting Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. People leave electric lights on inside, string more lights on the outside of their homes, and fire up numerous diyas, which are placed inside and outdoors, in hopes that Lakshmi will visit and bring prosperity and happiness for the coming year.

Here’s another take on the illumination tradition from the diwalicelebrations website.

According to Ramayana, Diwali commemorates the return of Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the eldest son of King Dasharath of Ayodhya, from his 14-year exile with Sita and Lakshman after killing the Ravan, a demon king. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and fireworks to celebrate the return of their king. … Twinkling oil lamps or diyas were there in every home and fireworks were there too. Great celebrations were held and everyone was happy for Rama to be the King of Ayodhya. This celebration took place on the night of the new moon of Ashwin (October-November). The tradition and the timing continued to be followed even these days. Even today Diwali celebration means happiness, fireworks and sweets. Thus the festival of diwali is in honour of Rama’s victory over Ravana. Among all the legends of Diwali this one is the most believed one.

I made a little video about our evening.

Daily Life, India

Streets paved with marigolds

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After visiting the Lotus Temple yesterday, we popped in to a few shops at Hauz Khas, ate lunch at Bagel’s Cafe and stopped at Katrina’s dressmaker to pick up her latest creations. Getting ready to head home, I snapped a few shots of flower sellers, which you’ll find on every street corner. Men, women and children sit on the ground amidst mountains of marigold blossoms, threading the blooms onto garlands. Apparently the flower prices skyrocket for the Diwali holiday because everyone needs them! They adorn storefronts and homes, as well as serving a key role in the worship of Hindu deities. I just think they’re pretty.

Daily Life, India

Diwali dinner

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Tony and I enjoyed celebrating Diwali at the home of my lovely colleague, Devika, and her husband, Deepak, last Friday. I bought an elegant kurta and churidar (pants that fit tightly in the calves and gather at the ankles with enough room in the bottom for my whole third-grade class).

We were greeted by the whole family, including Eshana, age 4, in her shimmery sari. I coaxed her out from behind a door with a Diwali gift of markers and a coloring book, and she immediately got to work drawing pictures and writing her name. Sparkling with energy, she contracted a contagious case of the giggles when I took a picture of her taking a picture of me.

With mom. (Oh! That round thing on her plate is an idli, fyi.)

With dad. (She was giving me a finger wag! Can you imagine?)

So enamored with Eshana, I didn’t even think to take photos of the rest of the group or even the amazing delicacies on the buffet table. My plate overflowed with idli and coconut chutney (one of my favorite dishes!), vegetarian momos (dumplings), samosas with tamarind dip, chicken kebabs, and mouth-watering burfi (a milk-based dessert) and honey-soaked fried dough balls, whose Hindi name escapes me.

After the crowd thinned, we sipped wine and engaged Deepak in a discussion of Indian literature. Such a special evening!

India

A Taste of Diwali

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Hindus and others across the city are gearing up for one of the most important festivals of the year – Diwali. The five-day celebration officially kicks off on Oct. 24, but we got our first taste of the festivities on Saturday. Organized by Saheliya – a group of Indian parents at our school, Diwali Night featured a dinner buffet, traditional dance performances, loud DJ music, endless colorful lights and fireworks.

Flower petals lined the path to the event, and drummers greeted us as we passed this “rangoli.”

Approaching the event, which took place on the sports field.

We hadn’t even passed through the entrance before this little band of entertainers encouraged us to “dance, dance!”

Hard to resist.

Stilt walkers paraded around with someone’s kid.

Tony in his kurta and me in my lehenga. I love playing dress up!

So festive!

Ground-level explosions were followed by fireworks shot from the elementary school building’s roof.

A “kids corner” offered crafts and other diversions for the children. This young lady seemed a bit surly about my request for “mehendi.” I don’t speak Hindi, but there was no mistaking the eyeroll she shared with her friend. Translation: “Seriously? This is supposed to be for kids. How annoying.” She clearly wasn’t at the top of her game.

Even the little Japanese girl who was next in line could see it was a pathetic job.

Me and my ladies!

Here’s a little tidbit about Diwali, according to diwalifestival.org:

Diwali is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya – the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin, (October/November) every year. It symbolizes that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even to-day in this modern world projects the rich and glorious past of India.