Deepavali, Festival of Lights

It would be days like today that being far away from 'home' truely sucks.  It is Deepavali today, also known as Diwali here in New Zealand.  This Festival of Lights is about the triumph of good over evil and celebrated worldwide by our Hindu, Sikh, Jains and Newar Buddhist friends.  Lately, wouldn't we wish that it's Diwali everyday?

Growing up, festivities like these bring people together regardless of race & religion.  Everyone was touched in one very tangible way or another because everyone had neighbours, schoolmates & colleagues who were celebrants. Somewhat on the periphery yet not, I was always happy to get the ladoo, kheer, murukku & other goodies just out of this world! You get to see people bedecked in beautiful sarees & kurtas visiting each other in what we call 'open homes'.  Whilst in the current climate here in NZ that term 'open homes' hints on the housing crisis, where I come from it meant an open invitation stretching sometimes till past midnight.  You go to your friends' homes to enjoy festivity foods & you better eat them lest wait yet another year!  The best part also, is that along the way, you will get to appreciate the multi-coloured Rangolis of various shapes & sizes drawn at the entrances of many homes.

So whilst this celebration continues for the next four odd days back there, those who have found other homes away from home can only get to reminisce on what is now missed. This is not the time to say "It is the thought that counts."