There’s been a festive mood in the office since yesterday. Likewise, as early as last week, I’ve already seen a lot of apartment balconies adorned with colorful lights.
Start of Christmas holidays?
No, not yet!
Actually, it’s the Diwali Festival — one of India’s happiest holidays. 🙂
According to Wikipedia,
“Diwali also known as Deepavali and the “festival of lights“, is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.”
FYI, since India is a multi-cultural country, Diwali celebration dates and rituals vary per region. And likewise, not all Indians celebrate Diwali as it is more for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs.
When I was working as a Teaching Assistant here in Dubai, my students used to make Diwali lanterns made of paper then decorate them with vibrant glitters and colored pens. (Oh, how I miss those kids and their cute antics! :))
Anyway, to celebrate this year’s Diwali, I had my first-ever Henna tattoo during our Dhow Cruise dinner last Monday. Such lovely patterns! The lady who created this is really talented and creative. And she finished this in less than 10 mins. wow! 🙂
Henna painting
Also, my colleagues brought different kinds of Indian sweets and snacks…
Cashew-based sweets from PD
Spicy chiwda and delightful indian sweets from RG
…and chocolates as well!
Patchi from SB
Happy Diwali to all my Indian friends and to everyone who celebrate it all over the world!
Thank you for sharing this special occasion with us! 🙂
