Divali Celebrations

Today is Divali, the festival of lights (comparable to Christmas in Canada). The Pandat (similar to a priest) came to the house and we has a ceremony in basement of the house (which is actually their office, celebration in the offices during the day, and at home at night).

Everyone removes their shoes and enters a room with blankets on the floor. You sit cross-legged to not point your feet to the front. There were prayers and we were touched on our foreheads with red and yellow paste by the Pandat (think Ash Wednesday) and string is tied around your wrist. You wear this until it falls off. They then light all these tiny Dias (small bowls with cotton wicks) and a bowl that creates a huge flame. Everyone one takes turn honouring the gods by moving the lights in a circle pattern. Soon it became difficult to breath from all the smoke. From there the Pandat comes around and gives everyone a sweet. It kinda tasted like inside of a Mars bar with nuts (if you don't eat it all it must be saved...so mine is sitting on the kitchen table!)

At night each home should have light (Christmas lights) hanging at every house with flowers (they remind me of chrysanthemums) and mango leaves.

I feel so blessed that they allowed me to attend. It was an amazing experience! (and exactly what I came for).