Diwali

Kinda like the "H" Christmas. They put lights on buildings, give gifts and set of lots (and I mean lots) of fireworks. The past few years we have gone to our mr's house, so we decided to keep up the tradition and returned there again this year. We took my parents and cousins as well! This year I was able to make some of the dinner and take it over. It was a fun evening as always. After the photos are some great facts about Diwali.

Little E all dressed and ready to go with her cute Bindi on her head

E and I playing at Mr's house

Being Silly 

My Mom and I

My cousin Sarah & I! In Gibberish she is called my "ChaCherry Bahen"

At Mr's hanging our before Mr's got there

Baba and E playing before dinner and fireworks

Little E and Baba (He is Mr's youngest son who is 3 months older than E)

Judah, Baba, E and the Grandpa's

Watching the Fireworks go off

Our view from the roof

Mrs & I

The Guys

The Ladies & Judah boy

Our family

The Fireworks

Sarah enjoying lighting the fire works in a sari "You go girl"

"Diwali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all H festivals. It's the festival of lights (deep = light and avali = a row i.e., a row of lights) that's marked by four days of celebration, which literally illumines the country with its brilliance, and dazzles all with its joy. Each of the four days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.

The Origin of Diwali

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient Chai Country, when it was probably an important harvest festival.

The Significance of Lights & Firecrackers

All the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story to tell. The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. According to one belief, the sound of fire-crackers are an indication of the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains."   

From http://hinduism.about.com/od/diwalifestivaloflights/a/diwali.htm