I was fortunate enough to travel India several years in the past with my partner. Whilst the time for Diwali had long since passed, the hospitality was humbling and the memories are still fresh and familiar. I only wish I might have had my wife and children with me as they would have enjoyed it as well, doubtless.
Since my return I've been lucky to work and socialize with a lot of folk from India and have experienced the same gentle warmth and hospitality here in Australia.
For a few of the people this may sound unremarkable however it requires a real effort to maintain such cultural pleasantries.
I should know. For I'm an Australian born Muslim descendant from Iraqi elders, married to an Australian convert of English stock, living in one of the most multicultural suburbs in Sydney...
My nave assessment is that the energy and effort comes eminates a will to give more than you receive. And so it is with the approaching celebration 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 back my wife and I were kindly invited to wedding here in Sydney which spanned four (4) days. We attended only 2 of those days but I still recall the "grandness" of the event. Wonderful workmen decorated my wife's hand with Henna on arrival and waiters availed me with copious quantities of culinary treats - most of which I haven't ever encountered since.
The Sari's, the music, the smells and experience where remarkable. Such things are potentially 'old-hat ' for the began but for me they where uncommon.
During my trip to India I received another kind invite to a wedding at a "Marriage Palace". It was a 3-day event and I attended all three starting with the festivities at the bride's house. I was fascinated by the extent of the event as it appeared as though the whole city had been attending. On the 3rd and last day I was equally stupefied by the size and spread of the food and entertainment.
On both of those occasions as well as during my trip I liked a singular atmosphere crammed with the greatest of news and tidings. And so its always been with Diwali in past times. Thus why my spouse, youngsters and I are all eagerly awaiting Deepavali 2011.
Since my return I've been lucky to work and socialize with a lot of folk from India and have experienced the same gentle warmth and hospitality here in Australia.
For a few of the people this may sound unremarkable however it requires a real effort to maintain such cultural pleasantries.
I should know. For I'm an Australian born Muslim descendant from Iraqi elders, married to an Australian convert of English stock, living in one of the most multicultural suburbs in Sydney...
My nave assessment is that the energy and effort comes eminates a will to give more than you receive. And so it is with the approaching celebration 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 back my wife and I were kindly invited to wedding here in Sydney which spanned four (4) days. We attended only 2 of those days but I still recall the "grandness" of the event. Wonderful workmen decorated my wife's hand with Henna on arrival and waiters availed me with copious quantities of culinary treats - most of which I haven't ever encountered since.
The Sari's, the music, the smells and experience where remarkable. Such things are potentially 'old-hat ' for the began but for me they where uncommon.
During my trip to India I received another kind invite to a wedding at a "Marriage Palace". It was a 3-day event and I attended all three starting with the festivities at the bride's house. I was fascinated by the extent of the event as it appeared as though the whole city had been attending. On the 3rd and last day I was equally stupefied by the size and spread of the food and entertainment.
On both of those occasions as well as during my trip I liked a singular atmosphere crammed with the greatest of news and tidings. And so its always been with Diwali in past times. Thus why my spouse, youngsters and I are all eagerly awaiting Deepavali 2011.
About the Author:
Zane AL-Said started the Diwali Network Blog with the aim of providing event news, media, articles and blogs for the community who celebrate Deepavali annually.Zane is an IT veteran who enjoys his family on a regular basis and his Formula 1 bimonthly.Check out more on Diwali The Festival Of Lights And The Stories Behind it as well as some of the craziest and funniest video's we will be able to find on the Internet...oh and you may find a couple of interesting blog posts.
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