Expatriates in Bangalore Share the Spirit of Deepavali

[Guest guest]

(Oct. 31, 2005): Just as we see off Dasara and settle down with the

routine, in comes Deepavali. Some call it 'noisy', others term

it 'colourful', but for Bangalore's expatriate community, Deepavali

is `yet another break from monotony', an apt reflection of a country

that doesn't flinch from celebration.

 

"The sky has been grey and the rains have made the weather colder

and so there can't be a better time to talk about light and warmth -

the essence of Diwali," says Mr Eric Rousseau, the director of

Alliance Francaise. "The message of light winning over the darkness

is universal; something all of us can relate to and in that sense,

Diwali shares its spirit with major festivals of the world."

 

For Mr Rousseau, Deepavali - by reinforcing importance of family,

exchanging sweets and wishes and forgetting differences - brings

about aspects which are unique to Indian culture. In fact, the

ability to bring the magical smile on the face is something good

about Indians."

 

The idea of lighting diyas (lamps) all over the house and welcoming

guests attracted Maureen Berlin (of Canadian descent) towards

Deepavali, when she first experienced it a decade ago. "The

symbolism, the sight of diyas illuminating households, is a visual

treat."

 

M M Khin, a Singaporean of Burmese descent, feels Diwali is the

festival of enormous hope and optimism. "I guess that's what light

symbolizes. It certainly shows Indians look up to better future and

no wonder they could achieve so much and make their country known

for its technological feats." Ms Ino and Ms Miho Adachi, members of

Sakurakai Ladies Association, the organisation that brings together

Japanese women in the City, feel the festival is dazzling and the

excitement it generates is contagious. "This's our second Diwali in

India and I'm yet to see anything as lively and exciting as this

festival," says Ms Ino. "This reminds me of how we celebrate our New

Year."

 

Ms Adachi says she's impressed with the philosophy behind Diwali -

the triumph of good over evil.

 

Though the religious symbolism was something Ms Rosalie Chidwick

(English by descent) could comprehend, she was bemused by crackers

being burst at street corners. "Of course, the fact that people are

able to put aside differences and join in celebrations during, what

I believe, the biggest national festival in India, is something

remarkable," she says.

 

During the last 10 years of her stay in India, she has never felt

foreign. "We're always invited to Diwali parties and my children

will have their mehendis. Our neighbour always asks us to keep the

house open and light lamps. So, we've been very much a part of the

celebrations," she says.

 

Ms Ino and Ms Adachi accepted a pre-Deepavali dinner invitation at a

friend's place last week. "There were too many sweets to eat,"

laughingly complains Ms Ino. "Certainly, Indians are 'extravagant';

when it comes to eating and they really cut loose on festive

occasions." Maureen mentions going off-limit in savouring culinary

delights during festivals is common to all cultures.

 

In his Deepavali greetings to Indian friends, Mr Rousseau chose to

print the lines of French poet Paul Éluard (Eugène Grindel), which

he thinks serves as the best summary of the festival: 'Transform

darkness into light; dream into reality; enmity into brotherhood -

this is the warmest law governing mankind.' A fair indication of the

understanding and admiration the expatriates have for the festival.

 

SOURCE: The Deccan Herald

URL:

http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct312005/metromon1614562005

1030.asp