Celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights
To the American outsider, Diwali seems to be
a cross between the Fourth of July and
Christmas. There are family get-togethers,
gifts, and a ton of high-grade fireworks.
One of the biggest Hindu holidays in
Northern India, Diwali is known as the
"Festival of Lights" and celebrates the
story of good triumphing over evil. Diyas,
or small clay lamps, filled with oil are lit
to usher in the good, new clothes are
donned, and sweets are shared. This year,
Diwali falls on Wednesday, October 26, 2011.
Photo 1 by HPNadig | Photo 2 by everheardofaspacebar
Slideshow by JoAnne Green
Diwali is a time for family to gather, and
in the case of the U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Consular Section, we join with our
colleagues to celebrate. The entire office
staff and their families dress in their
finest, festive clothes and began the event
with the lighting of the Diya. Festivities
included games and a fashion show, and
conclude with a choreographed dance
performed by both Locally Employed Staff
(LES) and American diplomats to the latest
Bollywood hits.
On behalf of all of us at the embassy, I
extend warm Diwali wishes to all who are
celebrating!
