Morgan was excited to participate in her first "festival" at her new school, the American School of Bombay, over the past weekend.
The Diwali Festival is a five day festival that marks the celebration of the Hindu New Year. It is also called the "Festival of Lights." During Diwali clay oil lamps or candles are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. The lights are kept lit and the house is cleaned, both in order to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, fortune and the embodiment of beauty.
Rangoli decorations made with colored powder or sand are popular during Diwali. Colorful paper lanterns are among the traditional decorations during the festival, and firecrackers are burst in an effort to ward off the evil spirits.
During Diwali participants don new clothes and share sweets with family members and friends to express love and affection.
Morgan and Michelle celebrated the festival with their first traditional Indian clothing. Don't they look like naturals? I love the colors and vibrant prints, especially paired with Morgan's rainbow flip flops from Kohl's -- a true
multi-cultural fashion statement! Morgan, you rock it, girl!
John and I are learning more about India and about the religious and cultural events that are so important to the country. It is a special opportunity to expand our knowledge and to take the time to appreciate the diversity of this big wide world. I hope you will enjoy this journey with us.
