So this is coming over a week after real Diwali thanks to the Obama visit. That will be a separate posting.
Diwali is Ram's triumphant return to his motherland. For those not keeping track...Ram is banished to the woods from his homeland. His wife Sita is stolen by an evil demon, and Ram goes on epic journey to save wife. Ram is joined by Monkey King Hanuman, saves girl, everyone is happy. There are many more players, but that is the main idea. The big event for Sandip's birthday (remember the burning effigies we missed?) is Ram's victory over the evil demon. Diwali is Ram's return home with Sita.
So Diwali is basically Fourth of July, Christmas, New Years, and every other happy holiday you can think of rolled into one. And on speed. It is INSANE. Too bad we couldn't take full advantage of it because we had to work. BUT the city is one big firecracker. I mean everywhere. Fireworks apparently are legal, and people set them off from their house. You have people just going to the rooftops and setting off the big ones like you see in DC on the 4th. Huge. It is loud, smoky, and totally awesome. It was amazing to watch from our roof. We even live in the subdued part. No way we could get a good photo. I can't even tell you how many fireworks-you just wouldn't believe the number. Hint to visitors for next year: good time to be here.
As for what we did-Sandip works with a gem of a woman named Manju. She is part of the Maxwell Mafia so you know she is good peeps. So she has a family tradition where friends come to her parents' house have a prayer, dinner, and act out the entire epic story of Ram. Apparently it takes 3 hours at her house in NY, and she brought it here to Delhi. Sandip and I took part, and I took on the role of Ram's queen. It is quite a tradition and we are going to totally steal it from her. Complete with descriptions of parts (one guy is described as thinks he is like James Dean, but really like Keanu Reeves in Point Break)
Enjoy the pictures of Diwali!
Manju lighting the puja and blessing us, the house, and all its surroundings
Dividing up the roles. Manju (seated) is the director/narrator.
Ram in white and me as Sita his wife. Yes we are wearing plastic tiaras that light up.
Sita telling the Monkey King Hanuman that under no circumstances would she go with him. He needs to send Ram himself to rescue her. (kind of diva move, but that is the way it is).
Ram and Hanuman find Sita. She is saved and all are happy.
Our little street fireworks. That is Scott, Manju's husband.
This is probably the tamest of the fireworks on the block.
Remember these? Happy fireworks everyone!
