I’ve never lived in a war zone, but I think I have at least an idea of what it would sound like if I did. Monday, October 27 (or Tuesday, October 28 for those in the north) was Diwali (or Deepavali), the biggest Hindu holiday of the year (observed also by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists). It is celebrated for different lengths of time in different parts of the country (up to a week or two) and as near as I can hear, it is pronounced Deevallee in Chennai. For Hindus, it celebrates the homecoming of Lord Ram after a 14-year exile and his victory over an evil demon-king, Ravan. The people of the city welcomed Ram home by lighting rows (avail) of lamps (deepa). Thus, Diwali has beautiful significance as the “Festival of Lights, where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within an individual.” It is also the celebration of the “new year of luck and wealth.” To commemorate the occasion, new clothes are purchased, gifts are given, and sweets are eaten throughout the day.
In importance it is comparable to Christmas, Eid ul-Fitr, or Yom Kippur, but the observance is closer to the Fourth of July, with the main activity consisting of exploding fireworks; the bigger and louder the better (Festival of Firecrackers may be more appropriate than Festival of Lights). Apparently, private individuals here can get fireworks normally reserved for city fire departments in the
The holiday is especially fun for children. According to one source, your social standing at school is directly influenced by the amount that your parents are willing to spend to buy fireworks for you. Kids of all ages explode long strings of firecrackers and light various fireworks, generally in the middle of the street. This presented an entirely new reason for vigilance on the part of pedestrians and vehicles; the menacing streets were now also interspersed with various lit fireworks.
Although I didn’t love the constant noise, I do love the significance and imagery of light associated with Diwali. Light as a symbol of goodness/intelligence/truth with the power to overcome darkness/ignorance/evil seems to be a common theme across all cultures and religions. Interestingly, it is generally this time of year, as the days grow shorter across much of the northern hemisphere, that the lack of light feels most oppressive to me. Perhaps it is a good time for a festival celebrating light. Despite the dwindling daylight, may we all have a little more sunshine in our lives. Happy Diwali!!
Privately launched fireworks filled the night sky.
Later in the day, I saw a chain about 3 or 4 times as long as this one. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture.
Fun with fireworks.
"Look at how many fireworks I have."
Remains of the day.
More pictures.
1 comment:
There was an Office episode about Diwali once. Yet another reason that you should be an Office fan. =)
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