I was sufficiently fortunate to travel India a bunch of years ago with my colleague. Although the time for Diwali had long since passed, the hospitality was overpowering and the memories are still fresh and familiar. I only wish I may have had my family with me as they might have enjoyed it similarly, no doubt.
Since my return I have been fortunate to work and socialise with many folks from India and have experienced the same warmth and hospitality here in Australia.
For a few people this will sound standard however it needs a real effort to maintain such cultural pleasantries.
I should know. I'm an Australian born Muslim descendant from Iraqi folks, married to an Australian convert of British stock, living in one of the most multicultural suburbs in Sydney...
My nave assessment is that the energy and effort comes from a craving to give more than you receive. And so it is with the upcoming festival of Deepavali or Diwali.
The festival of Diwali 2011 occurs 26 October through Nov. It's a time for giving and with a little bit of luck receiving. Lately I have heard about amazing opulence including the gifting of vehicles and often houses. When thinking about such opulence I wonder if many have considered the western idea of Kris Kringle...
The better part for my family and I are the open celebrations across urban Sydney and obviously the food.
Many years previously my spouse and I were kindly invited to an Indian wedding here in Sydney which spanned four (4) (4) days. We attended only two of those days but I continue to recall the "grandness" of the event. Wondrous artists decorated my wife's hand with Henna immediately upon arrival and waiters availed me with copious rounds of culinary treats - almost all of which I have never experienced since.
The Sari's, the music, the smells and experience where noteworthy. Such things are doubtless 'old-hat ' for the initiated however for me they where infrequent.
During my trip to India I received another kind invite to a marriage at a "Marriage Palace". It's a 3-day event and I attended all 3 beginning with the merriment at the bride's house. I was captivated by the boundaries of the event as it seemed as though the entire town had been in attendance. On the third and final day I was similarly mesmerized by the size and variety of the food and entertainment.
On both of these occasions as well as during my trip I enjoyed a novel atmosphere stuffed with the best of tidings. And so it has been with Diwali in the past. Therefore why my wife, kids and I are all much looking forward to Deepavali 2011.
Since my return I have been fortunate to work and socialise with many folks from India and have experienced the same warmth and hospitality here in Australia.
For a few people this will sound standard however it needs a real effort to maintain such cultural pleasantries.
I should know. I'm an Australian born Muslim descendant from Iraqi folks, married to an Australian convert of British stock, living in one of the most multicultural suburbs in Sydney...
My nave assessment is that the energy and effort comes from a craving to give more than you receive. And so it is with the upcoming festival of Deepavali or Diwali.
The festival of Diwali 2011 occurs 26 October through Nov. It's a time for giving and with a little bit of luck receiving. Lately I have heard about amazing opulence including the gifting of vehicles and often houses. When thinking about such opulence I wonder if many have considered the western idea of Kris Kringle...
The better part for my family and I are the open celebrations across urban Sydney and obviously the food.
Many years previously my spouse and I were kindly invited to an Indian wedding here in Sydney which spanned four (4) (4) days. We attended only two of those days but I continue to recall the "grandness" of the event. Wondrous artists decorated my wife's hand with Henna immediately upon arrival and waiters availed me with copious rounds of culinary treats - almost all of which I have never experienced since.
The Sari's, the music, the smells and experience where noteworthy. Such things are doubtless 'old-hat ' for the initiated however for me they where infrequent.
During my trip to India I received another kind invite to a marriage at a "Marriage Palace". It's a 3-day event and I attended all 3 beginning with the merriment at the bride's house. I was captivated by the boundaries of the event as it seemed as though the entire town had been in attendance. On the third and final day I was similarly mesmerized by the size and variety of the food and entertainment.
On both of these occasions as well as during my trip I enjoyed a novel atmosphere stuffed with the best of tidings. And so it has been with Diwali in the past. Therefore why my wife, kids and I are all much looking forward to Deepavali 2011.
About the Author:
Zane AL-Said started the Diwali Network Blog with the intention of providing event stories, media, articles and blogs for the community who celebrate Deepavali every year.Zane is an IT consultant who enjoys his wife and kids on a daily basis and his Formula 1 every 2 weeks.Check out more on Diwali The Festival Of Lights And The Stories Behind it as well as some of the most peculiar and funniest video's we can find on the Internet...oh and you could find a handfull of our fascinating blog entries.
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