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!