Words cannot even describe how great and fun Diwali was!!
Diwali is known as the “Festival of Lights.” It is a celebration of good
conquering evil, the New Year, and the return of a banished ruler. It is a
really big deal over here and is celebrated with food and most importantly
lights, especially fireworks or what they call here “firecrackers.” It was the probably the most fun I’ve had on
a holiday ever!
The day started with a delicious breakfast of a lentil/rice
smooshed pancake-like thing and an Indian donut, which was fried lentil. There
was an “excited” air throughout Shanti Bhavan. All the kids would run up to me
and shake my hand saying, “Happy Diwali!” I gave one little girl a hug and next
thing I knew another little girl ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug. They were so into this holiday and were
eagerly waiting for the night with the show and fireworks.
We relaxed most of the day and then around 4pm, I went to
Miss Asha’s (the high school science teacher) to get wrapped in my saree. I don’t
know if I could ever learn how to wrap one. It is an extremely complicated and
tiring endeavor. I had no idea what was going on as Miss Asha pinned me, tucked
fabric in, etc., while speaking Hindi and laughing the whole time. After that
all the female volunteers went to an 11th grader named Kathy who
braided my hair. It was basically a day of beauty! Before dinner there was a
show in which many of the classes performed. The preschoolers, however, stole
the show with a dance. After the show was the lighting ceremony and dinner. 4
people were chosen to light the lamp and then we had a special dinner. It was
extremely spicy though!
The most memorable part of the night, however, was the
fireworks. There was a table with $1000 worth of fireworks and they distributed
among the kids. It was like a battlefield. Kids lighting fireworks everywhere
and without warning, “rocket” fireworks getting launched everywhere but in the
sky, preschoolers twirling sparklers, kids playing “soccer” with the ground
flowers, etc. IT WAS CRAZY, but so much fun! At one point I felt little arms
wrapped around my legs, I looked down and a little preschooler, Likita, was
holding on to me crying. She was a little afraid of all the craziness going on
around her, and I don’t blame her!
Overall though, I wouldn’t have missed Diwali for the world.
I am so glad I was able to celebrate India’s most festive festival. I loved the
atmosphere and the fireworks were so much fun! I will never forget Diwali.
