Diwali

The previous post was bit of the background of Diwali celebrations.  At our estate all residents were in full celebratory mode, and the four day weekend only added to that mood. On Friday night John's company put on a party at a local hotel.  Lovely food and company.  Too many scary fireworks, where children are allowed to get unbelievably close them.  Growing up in the UK gives you a very different approach to fireworks, on a dark cold winters night it was always difficult to even see the men who were setting off the displays, partly because it was so dark and because you had to be so far away from the actual fireworks.

Sunday night there was a Diwali celebration evening at the Cameron's house.  Bill Cameron wound the kids into a frenzy with bangers and sparklers (again, you could tell that no safety certificate was required here).  Monday night saw another party organised for the residents kindly sponsored by a resident.  Having been very social for the previous three evenings, The Webbs decided to lie low and stay at home.

But the big Diwali celebrations were on Tuesday 28th.  Fireworks galore!  Pete seemed unperturbed by the whole event thankfully.  The main event of the evening was seeing a 200 metre trail of fire crackers go off.  The trail is laid, people gather.  Whilst waiting for the trail to be lit, sweet indian delicacies are passed around and then WOW! it starts.  It gives you an idea of what being in a war zone must be like.  It is so loud and dangerous.  After being hit a few times by flying shrapnel and uttering a few "ow's" I was advised that it was best to follow behind at a slight distance which did prove to be good advice but still got caught a few more times.   This lasted for about half an hour.  How anyone can sleep through this is unbelievable.

It was nice to be at home and see how our neighbours celebrate this, the biggest festival in their calendar.  

A couple of photos to show how the houses are decorated.  In the evening, lots of houses are lit up, which I just love as I am a sucker for some twinkly fairy lights.