Have you ever heard about Diwali?

Diwali is one of the biggest Hindu festival in India. It is the festival of lights, and many myths are related to it. One of them is the return of Rama from exile after his victory on evil Ravana. The night of his return to his kingdom was a moonless night so the people lit candles so that he could find his way back. If you’re interested in knowing what the festival is about, this page is quite well done.

Nowadays, Diwali is one of the kids’ favorite festival in India: it implies presents, crackers and fireworks. Kids (and older kids) are all excited in my neighbourhood. It has become a dangerous adventure to walk in the street as you do not know when nor where the next cracker is going to explode. At the moment I am writing this, I can hear cries of joy (I hope they are of joy!), crackers and fireworks exploding. And this, for the fourth evening in a row!

This year is my first Diwali. And it is unpredictable as I expected it to be.

Expect the sun to be shining in the middle of the moonless night

Expect the neighbours to attack your roof

Expect Chinese crackers to (gently) invade the Indian sky

Expect this moonless night to last several nights (until there are no crackers left...)

And the most important thing you should expect: Diwali is a light and SOUND festival. Even if the lights shade away within a few seconds, be assured the sounds will remain in your ears for a few hours, maybe a few days.

Wherever you are in the world, have a happy Diwali!