Deepavali, the "festival of lights", is an ancient Hindu festival.
according to Wikipedia-
It is one of the largest and brightest festivals in India. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period.
Before Deepavali, people clean, renovate, and decorate their homes and offices. On Deepavali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity. After puja, fireworks follow] then a family feast including mithai(sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks a major shopping period in nations where it is celebrated.
Sarika, far left, hosted this event along with her husband Sandeep. The party was held at
The Cove clubhouse at the bottom of our building.
Sarika and Sandeep live 2 floors above us and Sandeep also works for Abbott.
Melynn and Darby got henna tattoos. Sarika's daughter did the artwork :)
For Deepavali, the girls and women go shopping and create rangoli
and other creative patterns on floors, near doors and walkways.
Above is the rangoli from the party as you entered in.
enjoying the tasty indian food
Aaron and I dancing with Sandeep and some other friends. It was a fun afternoon!
Then, we were invited to another Deepavali party that weekend.
This time the party was hosted by our neighbors Vinita and Amit.
They live 4 floors above us.
enjoying more traditional Indian cuisine
pictured above- Sandeep, Aaron, Amit, Vinita, Barry and Sarika.
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