Tomorrow, we are celebrating Diwali—A night of lights, illumination, blessings, celebration; a tradition of Rangoli, burning crackers, exchanging gifts and welcoming Ma Lakshsmi, a Hindu deity that symbolizes peace and prosperity. Mingling upward inflection coming from sides is at emphasizing point: Mousumi and I have been coming outside to cherish this spectacular phenomenon. Today, the night looks brighter than the sunniest day. Glimpses of familiar faces stimulate conversation on planning for the next day. Shops are already packed with crowd and stream of people are waiting outside for their turn. Cities enlighten with vibrant Diyas (clay pots filled with oil) and dazzling lights that signify the glory of victory over evil.
It is also one of the oldest festivals in India. About 5000 years ago when Rama came after 14 years of exile from the forest defeating the demon king Ravana, people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting Diyas, decorating homes with flowers and exchanging sweets. In this auspicious night, people, forgetting the differences, embrace and greet each other; the entire atmosphere remains amplified with entertainment and joviality.
Anyway, we have our plans for tomorrow. We have come with crackers (not much since Mousumi doesn’t like contributing to air pollution) brought sweets for visitors and various colorful candles to embellish our little sweet home. It’s almost 2:30 am but still loud noise of crackers is coming from far and close distance disturbing and keeping Felix from sleep.
We all three are up and we have got reasons to wait till tomorrow evening.
....Alex
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