The festival of lights.

It was an awesome zone of having so much happening around, my head constantly buzzing and
my heart so filled with joy and life.

I would not make an attempt to re-iterate the details of what Deepavali(or the festival of lights) is about. Instead I'd present the celebrations I got involved in.

The office floor was so full of noise the day before the festival. The HR team had organised a couple of events .. which is a business as usual. I was nominated for the Diya painting competition without my knowing. In order to keep the spirits high, I agreed. No ideas and no preparation , packed the paints and brush in a bag and bought the Diyas from a nearby store. Festivities call for a traditional gathering and I dont miss a chance of clinging on to my sarees. To beat that I travel in the local buses. I painted the Diyas with fabric and glitter paints Thanks for the help of a colleague, I had completed the event on time and bagged the 2nd place.

Diya's getting decorated.

Several teams of 6 each were participating in the rangoli competition. Here's how they looked at the end. I and a talented friend of mine, kind of jumped to the rescue of a team of 6 guys who had all the required colors and equipments. We came up with an impromptu theme and design and here is how it looked. This did not get a prize though it fit exactly right to the theme of lights. Amen to the final judgment.

And the Rangoli is here : 

With the zest and fervor to be continued for the next four vacation days, it was an awesome feeling to head back home that evening.Festivals come along with a lot of calories too. Forget about them for the rest of the read as its definitely going to drool you of the mentioned eateries. In south India we prepare sweet dish made of rice flour and jaggery deep fried in ghee - called as kajjaya. I was making this for the first time and it turned out good, was sweeped off in a go. Thankfully I clicked a picture before they vanished.  Other mouth watering dishes served was Semiya kheer, paneer curry, ridge gourd pakodas, dal vadas and more.

I had a rangoli spread in the house as well. Painted a few more Diyas and lighted them up welcoming goddess Lakshmi.

A few sparkling crackers to mark the brightness of our future was lit. I loved clicking a few moments of the entire journey this Deepavali. And here is my favourite one.

What the heck did you do this year for Deepavali.?