Diwali: The Indian Christmas

We were told Diwali was on November 13th. So how come this started on November 11 and is still going on today? We have been surrounded by fire crackers, fireworks, orgies of sweets and shopping on a scale that puts our Christmas to shame. No need for Black Friday here. The stores don't close, it seems, ever.

The similarities do not end there. Diwali is a Festival of Lights, where people light the way for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to make sure she finds a way to their house. These lights go from tiny clay oil lamps to extravagant light displays. So think Christmas lights and everyone's best wishes for health and prosperity.

Then, think tacky Christmas decorations (maybe Dycker Heights, peut-etre Verdun) and fancy clothes for the children. Finish it up with some handmade sweets and this gives you a small taste of Diwali.

Where the similarities end is when strangers stop on the street to shake our hand to wish us Happy Diwali and sweets of all kinds are pressed upon us. Don't remember when that happened in Montreal or New York. Maybe we are too focused on acquiring more for selfish consumption while Indians, who have so very little, want to let you in to this special moment.

Jaipur by nights, with gates to old city taking on a modern look

Playing pretend until real life catches up

A kilo or 20 of sultanas for holiday sweets

A case of India keeping China's economy alive?

Happy Diwali to all!

 

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