Monday, November 12, 2012

Getting Ready for Diwali - November 11, 2012


A couple of evenings ago, my friend, Ajay Shekhawat, of the Umaid Mahal Hotel,
took me out to see Jaipur's preparations for Diwali, celebrated by Indians in all
parts of the world.  Diwali, popularly known as "the festival of the lights", is a five
day celebration, very important in the Hindu world.  Families perform traditional
celebrations in their homes and small lamps are lit to signify the triumph of good
over evil.  To learn more about Diwali, go to:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
or:   http://www.diwalifestival.org/.  Puja or offerings are made to the gods/
goddesses and gifts are exchanged among family or friends.

As we rode through the street of downtown Jaipur and to one of the busiest bazaars,
I was reminded of our own Christmas.  Of course, it was a few days before Diwali 
and all the lights were not yet up.  They don't start a month in advance as our
retailers do in the U. S. It was noisy and crowded, though, at 8PM and I was told 
that in two days, vehicular traffic would be impossible and everyone would be on
foot.


My night photography isn't the best but, at least, you'll get an idea.


We rode from Bani Park, where I live, into town, in an autorickshaw


Here the streets aren't so crowded but it all changes in a minute!


Jaipur is so much less crowded than Mumbai or Delhi


I'd like to go back and see what it looks like now, two days later!


Jaipur has some of the most beautiful architecture.


Ajay decides we should switch to a bicycle rickshaw so I can get
better shots


This is the brave soul who decides he can pull me!


Even though I've lost weight, Ajay has a tight squeeze fitting
next to me!


Most Indian business communities begin their financial
year on Dhanteras, the day the festival starts.


One's house is cleaned to make the goddess, Lakshmi, the
goddess of wealth, feel welcome


Now, it is very crowded in the streets and stores are busy.


This could be last minute Christmas shopping in the U. S.!



There are so many motorcycles parked, it's hard to get to the shops!


Rajasthan does have a helmet law - but the chin straps are
rarely fastened nor do second ( or 3rd passenger  ) 
seldom have one ) and children don't wear them!


This is the only cow I saw wandering in the downtown area.
From the looks of him, he doesn't find much to eat.



Ajay says oil and cotton are put in these little holders to
make Diwali lights....doesn't seem to safe around children!


People shop for new clothes for Diwali


I'm not sure if these guys were just waiting for their wives or what!


Happy Diwali to all!

6 comments:

  1. Nice pictures except one. You didn't talk about the fire crackers. Come to my blog and have a look at a few hydrogen bombs. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Those photos show honestly what that city is. Traveller images are sweeter than tourist images.

    Hugs my dear friend.

    Val

    Barcelona Daily Photo

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  4. It does look a lot like Christmas. My Indian friend has been painting statues or something. Is that part of it all?

    ReplyDelete
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