Festival Season

Festival Season

There has literally been a holiday or festival every week that I have been here. This week is a huge one - Diwali, know as the festival of lights. It is often compared to Christmas in that there is much gift giving. It is about being welcomed home. There are several historical/mythological events that are celebrated at this time, from different traditions; Rama returning home from his exile on Sri Lanka after rescuing his wife, Sita from the evil Rawlan. Also, Guru Hargobind, after having been imprisoned in Agra returns to Amritsar after tricking the Mogul Emperor. All of these much beloved leaders are welcomed home by the people putting oil lamps on their roofs to help them find their way and to celebrate their arrival.
Diwali is this Friday. On Sunday, our clients will have their first (sanctioned) contact with their families. Mukthiar will spent Saturday afternoon with them, helping them guild (with gold) some oil lamps as gifts for their families.