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.