Diwali

Namaste,

This is the auspicious month of Kartik, and right now houses are being white washed, fairy lights are being strung up and oil lamps lit, all in preparation of the festival of lights, Diwali, which ushers in a new year, on the night of the new moon.

During this month, akash deeps (sky lamps) are hoisted up on tall bamboos along the riverside in remembrance and as offerings to the ancestors. Some say that in days gone by, they acted as beacons to merchants who returned back to their houses along the river, after being away during the monsoon season.

It has been a wonderful week thus far, and much has happened! My room opens into the central courtyard of the Ganga mahal, and it used to be a small classroom of the WLC children's program (which has now been moved to the neighbouring Tulsi Kunj....another gorgeous building). So it has great vibes. It is simple and peaceful, and my little niche in the wall houses new flowers brought to me by Pravin and Jyothi.

I have gotten into the swing of things with work and some prototypes have already been made with the women of the sewing programme in Katesar village.

Well, a happy Diwali to all of you.
Much love and happiness during the festival of lights,
Prashant