In the last days one of Indians most celebrated Hindu
festivals took part: Deepwali. ( = Tamil for " way of the light"). In
this blog article we would like to tell you how we experienced its preparation
and the actual holidays.
Deepawali is commemorated on new moon, at the end of October/ beginning of November. Similar to the German Christmastime, people however start with the arrangement weeks before. When we asked in our environment for the reason behind the big celebration we did not get a clear answer. An investigation in the internet showed us finally that there are many different legends and stories about it.
Deepawali is commemorated on new moon, at the end of October/ beginning of November. Similar to the German Christmastime, people however start with the arrangement weeks before. When we asked in our environment for the reason behind the big celebration we did not get a clear answer. An investigation in the internet showed us finally that there are many different legends and stories about it.
On the first of November NMCT organised a big Deepawali
function as well. They invited hundreds of beneficiaries but also wealthy and
influential donors. Even though Deepawali falls this year on the 11th of
November, the celebration was - according to our director - just in time:
" In India we don't have to celebrate festivals on the exact date, it is
enough if it is the right month." We think that this statement is also
fitting for German Christmas functions.
During NMCT's program many special guests gave English and Tamil speeches and new clothes was given to the participating children. We were impressed that every child was called to the stage individually and got a packet with its own name. On the one hand wearing new dresses on Deepawali day is a common tradition, on the other hand NMCT used the occasion to support poor family, who find it difficult to purchase new clothes by themselves. We also got a new and colourful Chudidar from Seetha, our Co- mentor and wife of our director. Thank's! J
During NMCT's program many special guests gave English and Tamil speeches and new clothes was given to the participating children. We were impressed that every child was called to the stage individually and got a packet with its own name. On the one hand wearing new dresses on Deepawali day is a common tradition, on the other hand NMCT used the occasion to support poor family, who find it difficult to purchase new clothes by themselves. We also got a new and colourful Chudidar from Seetha, our Co- mentor and wife of our director. Thank's! J
After the free lunch there was time for a cultural program,
in which the Abhaya girls were very involved. Already weeks before they started
with dance practices. Additionally we taught them a song and a drama. For the
song we prepared a new text to the melody of the German "Stern über
Bethlehem, the drama was about the Deepawali story that is most known and
common in our area, here our text:
1. Many, many years ago the king Narakasur ruled over his
country.
2. He was a really bad king and bad to his people.
3. He kidnapped thousand women and children.
4. He also stole the earrings of mother Goodness Aditi.
5. Also important in the story are Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
6. Satyabhama and Goodness Aditi were relatives.
7. That is why Lord Krishna and Satyabhama decided to fight against the bad king Narakasur.
8. After a hard fight Lord Krishna and Satyabhama were able to win.
9. Now all women and children were free again.
10. .. And Lord Krishn and Sathyabhama brought back the earrings of mother Goodness Aditi.
12. Everybody was happy now.
2. He was a really bad king and bad to his people.
3. He kidnapped thousand women and children.
4. He also stole the earrings of mother Goodness Aditi.
5. Also important in the story are Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
6. Satyabhama and Goodness Aditi were relatives.
7. That is why Lord Krishna and Satyabhama decided to fight against the bad king Narakasur.
8. After a hard fight Lord Krishna and Satyabhama were able to win.
9. Now all women and children were free again.
10. .. And Lord Krishn and Sathyabhama brought back the earrings of mother Goodness Aditi.
12. Everybody was happy now.
For the actual Deepawali day (11.November) a staff member of
the NGO invited us to her home. Together with her extended family (sometimes up
to 18 people) we made on the night before
a little firework in front of the house - the Indian crackers are
definitely louder than the German ones! On the next morning we stood up early
to take a traditional oil bath and change into our new clothes afterwards. The
rest of the day was spent with cooking, eating many sweets and watching Tamil
movies, which contributed to a really relaxed atmosphere. For us it was great
experience to be not only a guest, but to become part of the family for one
night: to help with cooking and serving food and to sleep with all the relatives
in one room.
We hope we have now given you a small, but still interesting
impact into this big Indian festival. As mentioned in the headline its
importance as well as the comfortable and ceremonial atmosphere reminded us of
the German Christmas. The rainy seasons (which has finally started) also
contributed to this feeling as 25 degrees and no sun are a little bit like
winter for us!
In this spirit: " We wish you a happy
Deepawali!"
at NMCT's Deepawali function
our self-written song " Light in the Duskiness"
our Director delivering a speech
Deepawali "Pattas"
at Kalpana's house
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