Happy Diwali

Subha Deepavali

Happy Diwali or Deepavali - Festival of Lights, considered the Indian New Year's Eve.  Diwali (pronounced both with the 'w' or with a 'v', depending on regional dialects) is celebrated for 4-5 days.  

It is very typical to light small clay oil lamps (called diyas) placed around the home, garden, rooftop.   Many homes have very colorful lights decorating their windows and balconies.  It is a time for visiting relatives, exchanging sweets, and setting off fireworks.  The fireworks continue throughout the 4-5 days of celebration.  

This is just one of the many fireworks that we heard one night and watched the next few  - from a window in our apartment (note that we are at the height of the fireworks - and higher!).

Homes are also decorated with paper lanterns, garlands of flowers and rangoli (colorful displays at doorways, typically created with materials including colored rice, dry flour, (colored) sand or even flower petals)

Many businesses start their new financial year on the first day of the festival of Diwali, Dhanteras (Dhan means wealth).  

Time for New Year's Resolutions!