But in the meantime, right at this moment, we're celebrating Diwali - the Festival of Lights in India and there's much revelry everywhere. There's fireworks, sweets, new clothes and a lot of neighborly love to commemorate this day. So let me begin with the story of Diwali (I wrote about it in a Diwali post last year - bu there's a quick recap)
Diwali or Deepavali popularly known as the "festival of lights," is a five day festival which starts on Dhanteras and ends on Bhai Dooj. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira.
The name "Diwali" or "Deepavali" translates into "row of lamps". Small clay lamps filled with oil are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. Homes are cleaned, and rows of lamps are lit through the night to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Firecrackers drive away evil spirits. Diwali, also means new clothes, sweets and celebrating with family and friends.
According to Hindu Mythology, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana from their 14-year exile, after vanquishing the demon Ravana. The people of Ayodhya rejoiced at the return of their king and illuminated their kingdom with earthen lamps and celebrated with fireworks.
Day 1: The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year.
Day 2: is Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
Day 3: Amavasya, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala .(the core of the earth)
Day 4: It is on the fourth day of Diwali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there.
Day 5: This day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), where sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
The story of Diwali and how it is celebrated varies from region to region, but the essence is the same – to rejoice the triumph of good over evil - and of course, have a good time. It is a significant time for new film releases!
In South India, Tamil Nadu, the tradition is to wake up very early in the morning, long before sunrise. An oil massage is followed by a wonderful hot bath. Prayers together with the family, distribution of new clothes, and sweets. In some houses, firecrackers follow. Then begins the ritual of visiting family and friends and generally having a great time.
I love everything except the fireworks. I don't really fancy turning good money into ash, and also, the fireworks come from a place called Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu where they employ child labor to make them. There's a strong drive to abolish it, yet, you know how these things take time. For my part, I just won't buy them.
Instead, since my neighbors are out of town celebrating elsewhere, I have made sweets and I've gathered a few things (clothes, utensils, bed linen etc.) and will be taking a walk later today to distribute them to those who've made the street their home. There is also a big group of people who work at a construction nearby and I plan to take them something too. I am also celebrating, by organizing lunch for the 100 or so girls at our local girls' orphanage.
Full heart = Festival happiness, right? Yes!
So here we go - some photos from my visit to the market yesterday. Oh, but it was packed. When I say packed, I mean I have to literally squeeze into the crowd and move ahead. There are shops everywhere, on the street selling all kinds of stuff, but predominantly lamps at this time. Here, take a look. :-) And tell me which one is your favorite! (Click to enlarge photos).
This is a road side shop on the sidewalk, sharing space in the parking lot.
These lamp sellers have a lot of earthenware lamps that they offer to color on the spot, in the color of your choice.
They are great negotiators. The variety is mindboggling!
I love it that everyone does great business!
Love these - the blue ones are so nice and bright! Some are just lamps, others have a deity in the middle
What is a festival without sweets?
Jewelry I love - oh, they're cheap, pretty and great to wear.
This is a sight that never ceases to amaze me. In the little lanes in the market, there are these expert henna designers - and almost every day, one can see at least ten of these guys making the design on eager hands. They're very good and they offer an album of designs to choose from. It takes them a couple of hours and the result is just stunning. As you can see. I always promise myself I'll get one done on my hands...but as with everything in our own backyard...it is a fantasy right now!
And now - don't judge me - but our local economy thrives thanks to the street shops. Mostly good stuff. Even these can be bought off the street. Slips, shorts, briefs, inner wear. Hmm. Not to miss the padded ones.
The fun part of shopping in our area is the friendly vendors. I like how they're always in a good mood. They urge you to see and tell you not to worry about not buying. :-) And they always make sure that the customer is happy. Now, vamonos to Unknown Mami 's place, who makes it possible for us to travel the world from her place. She's the lovely one who hosts this link up!
Happy Diwali Happy week ahead!
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