It has been more than a month since my last post, and more than a month since we lost dear Chin. It is still something we cannot believe. But life has to go on.
Today is Diwali. If I were to explain its significance to non Indians, I would say that for us Indians it is a sort of combination of the 4th of July and Christmas. 4th of July because this is the day we celebrate with fireworks, and Christmas because this is the time we meet with family and friends and celebrate and gorge over good food and sweets.
Per our tradition, we will not celebrate any festivals for a year after Chin's passing, but we cannot but help enjoy the various sights and sounds - especially sounds - around us. Goddess Lakshmi, the harbinger of prosperity and well being is worshipped on Diwali. There is an air of freedom, friendship and festivity everywhere. Houses are decorated with little earthen clay lamps. This ubiquitous little lamp really sends forth different messages. One - "Come, let us remove the darkness from the face of this earth", Second - to destroy the difference between the rich and the poor. The little lamp whether it shines from a palatial bunglaow or a small hut in the village, emits the same light and symbolizes unity.
Kids (and adults) wait all year for Diwali. For 3 days now kids in and around have been bursting firecrackers and fountains and sending rockets up in the air. Even tho we will not personally decorate our house with lamps this year, we will be attending the lavish dinner feast in our neighorhood and watch the fireworks display after.
I shall try to get some good pica and post later.
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