Diwali Ceremony.

There is an upcoming holiday called Diwali.  It has been described as Christmas, New Years and Independence Day all rolled into one.  There is lots of celebrations, lights, time to give gifts, and  fireworks galore.  I am trying to figure it all out but it is really not easy.  The school did a big Diwali Mela which was lots of fun.  The PTA brought in food vendors to serve "street food" to the parents and sell gifts items.  The primary students did dances, plays, puppets and songs for the season.  There was a fashion show and a lighting ceremony.  All the children were in traditional Indian cloths and it was all beautiful.  The boys and I all enjoyed the day and B, my 9 yr. old, seems to have really grasped some of the stories and has been trying to explain them to us.  The actual holiday is on Tuesday so the boys have three days off school.  We are still unpacking and sorting but hopefully we will be done before the boys return to school.   (I stopped here and finished after Diwali).

We have now attended 2 Diwali parties.  One was part of the Overseas Women's Club and it cost about $80 USD per person and the event is a fundraiser for charities the organization supports.  There was a silent auctions with some entertainment followed by a fashion show, dinner and dancing.  It was fun but not as nice as the party the night before.  That was a party thrown by the owner of the school my children attend and was free.  That night started with an open bar, followed by appetizer's served while we watched dancer from England and acrobats from Africa.  Ken was pulled on stage and helped the acrobats.  Then the teachers and staff were part of a raffle for great prizes.  The top prize was an Ipad and new Iphone 5. About 15 teachers out of the 87 won great prizes.  Then there was dancing and a buffet dinner.  I think it was probably one of the best parties I have ever attended.  Will make sure I attend it again next year.

India Night at the school with a friend. 

Ken on stage with the acrobats

Ken after the show with the acrobats

India Night at OWC.  My first time in a Saree

Now the boys' favorite part of Diwali was the fireworks.  For two nights we lit bottle rockets, sparkler and they had cap guns.  B thought it was the best thing ever.  People had fireworks similar to a professional show in the USA and were firing them in the neighborhood.  One misfired and about hit a house.  Very dangerous but very fun.  However I will be posting a full entry on the dangers of India.