Christmas in Nepal...well sort of!

Dear All,

Today was another wonderful day in Kathmandu. In fact, it was a lot like one huge party. Today is the second day of Tihar, a huge Nepali festival (known as Diwali in India). It’s also called the festival of lights, and at least tonight, the name fits perfectly. All the houses are decorated in blinking lights of every color (like our Christmas lights) and firecrackers and fireworkers are being lit on at least half of the roofs of the city. Most people are having dinner and sweets with their families today, and doing a special “pooja” worship for the goddess Laxshimi, the bringer of wealth and good fortune. I’ve done what I could to get my flat ready as well, putting up a few marigold garlands and a couple strings of light, but I skimped on the pooja.



Instead, I went to one of my “brother’s” shops and watched as they worshipped. The main event of the worship is making pathways with multicolored sands or a white paste, and lighting the paths with small candles or oil lamps. The plan is that the goddess will follow the paths into the houses and bring them a year of blessings. My landlord was kind enough to paint a path to my door while I was out today, so I got to follow Laxshimi’s “footprints” to my door.

And even though, I didn’t join in any of the big family celebrations today, mostly, because I’m waiting for Bai Tika, the main event, I did enjoy a very nice vacation type day. Buffalo, myself and 9 other friends caught a matinee around 9 this morning in the new theater, and then Buffalo took me shopping for a new Kurta Surawel (the long tunic top, matching pants, and shawl typical of Nepal and India). Buffalo is a very patient shopper and a great bargainer, so I love shopping with him. And I love the kurta I finally picked out. I can’t wait to wear it Monday. Buffalo was also sweet enough to give in to my addiction and buy me yet another set of bangles for the holiday. I suppose I could have worn old ones, but we were in the bangle shop district and I just couldn’t help myself. I was practically drooling.

After shopping, Buffalo headed back home to work a half day, and I settled in for a nice nap. After my nap, I went into Thamel, the tourist district, and watched all the shopkeepers doing pooja. There were also a lot of children going from shop to shop singing Tihar songs for a few rupees from each shopkeeper. It’s a lot like our caroling and it was super fun to watch. But the singing has died down now that’s it’s gotten later, so all that’s left is the booms and cracks of the last few fireworks. And now that I’ve thought about my whole day, I realize I’m pretty sleepy. So I guess I’ll head off to bed. More Tihar stories after Monday, I promise.

Oh, and for those of you who keep asking, no, I’m not married yet. And I promise to tell you when I am. We are going to go to the office next week, maybe Tuesday, but it may still take some time after that. I’ll keep you posted.

So until Monday, sending happy festival filled wishes your way. Hope your night is as bright as ours is today! Lots of love,