Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It’s a five-day celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights. Families perform rituals in their homes.
Priya created designs of paint and flower petals on the floor in front of each room, which bestows blessings on the room.
She decorated the patio with paintings.
Both the family and the neighbors approved of my Diwali outfit.
Prem created a shrine and invited me in the room to share in their celebration.
They performed some rituals, did some prayers and sang.
The house was festively decorated.
Candles were lit on the patio.
Then it was time for fireworks! Firecrackers are especially popular for keeping away evil spirits. The boys had the most fun, lighting the firecrackers.
Diwali celebrations next door.
After dinner, Prem brought his music system outside, and the kids from several neighboring houses came over to dance. A great celebration!
January 7, 2013 at 12:48 am
Your Diwali outfit is gorgeous. You look positively radiant! How special that you were invited to share in their ritual. Love the kids dancing!
January 7, 2013 at 6:38 am
The dress — which I had bought online — was made in India, so I thought it appropriate that it make a trip to The Motherland. Although you can’t tell in the photo very well, it has little golden elephants all over it, and elephants are a symbol of good luck in India. The striped sparkling overblouse you may recognize. You were with me when I bought it at Rakkasah many years ago.