Diwali Preparations

Yes!! Diwali is Friday - Nov. 9th. It is a Hindu Festival but the entire country celebrates it, and Indians abroad celebrate it as well. You can read more about Diwali and it's origins here.

So my entire family is getting together in Delhi. My little sister is coming home from college in Alwar, my brother already came back from Chennai last weekend. My big sister lives in Delhi about 20 minutes away from my parents, so they are all there. I am (slightly) getting down, as it happens every year. But I refuse to stay like this. I am doing my own preparations. So what am I doing?

I am going to make a Rangoli - a colorful design made on the floor with colors or flower petals. Last night I started making the colors - by dyeing sand with food coloring and Rit Dyes. I designed and cut out a template for the design I'm going to make. It's a peacock! That's all you get for now ;) We'll see how well this plan goes LOL! If it doesn't work, I will fall back to my usual floral something.

I was talking to a friend at work about this and she asked if I'm making any sweets. Because she is going to. Crap. I'm supposed to make sweets? She said no no don't do it just because she said it! Peer pressure is NOT good for me. I'm thinking Coconut Burfi. I have to ask MIL for the recipe. She makes awesome Burfi.

The night of Diwali, we are getting out in the neighborhood for some firecrackers. I am hanging the lights outside tonight, and will put rows of candles and diyas that day. Totally traditional this time. Oh, and I might even wear a sari. Don't know that yet. Although it would be totally cool to wear a sari when I am not starving and feeling like I'm about to die. Mehul will wear a traditional Kurta as well.

There is also a neighborhood dinner plan in works. I'm taking the back seat in that. Already have too much to do. So watch for Rangoli and firecrackers pictures end of the week!