Namaste!
I am sure some of you have heard of Diwali, the festival of lights. You have probably also heard that it is one of the most beautiful festivals in India. Well, it is! Maybe it is the excitement of the entire family coming over for dinner (Indian families are big!), firing illegal fireworks (illegal in America of course), or maybe it is all the lights that are hung on every single house. I think the most beautiful moment of Diwali was when I watched a single paper lantern float into the sky. I know it sounds cliche, but it was truly picturesque.
For 10 days before Diwali, everyone frantically cleans their houses. It is like the Indian version of Spring cleaning, except they actually do it :). For the 3 days of the festival, there are poojas at homes and shops, where the owners pray for prosperity of their business' and families.
Many people underestimate the amount of fireworks that are blown up, as well as the unsafe conditions. You walk down the street and there are children lighting matches and jumping over fireworks! Of course, someone is bound to get hurt. The first night of Diwali, my host brother was lighting a firework and somehow decided it would be safe to hold onto it as it went off! He burnt 3 of his fingers! But I suppose I shouldn't talk, as I burnt my finger on the last day while lighting a firework. Ice is everyone's best friend during Diwali :)
I leave for the tour of South India in 8 days! I can't wait to see more of India. Can't wait to share my experience with you all!
Namaste,
Hannah
