Canadians in India 2014: November 5 & 6, 2014 -- November Celebrations

On October 31, as we were lighting the pumpkins on the balcony for the second night, Milo came rushing in to say that SIR had to come out and help her put up more Diwali lights (Christmas strings, basically). Diwali was officially over by Oct. 25^th and the lights which had been strung up on our balcony in our absence were no longer being lighted at night (but had not been taken away either). So, Milo and Rob wrapped even more lights around the balustrade – noticing the while that all the neighbouring houses were also now winking, flashing and shining with even more lights. Why??? you ask? Turns out that starting Nov. 2 until Nov. 6 (the ACTUAL Holiday) we are celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life– and doing it with LIGHTS. [Try this link to see the lights and hear the fireworks.]

Gurū Nānak (15 April 1469 – 22 September 1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the Sikh Gurus. His birth is celebrated world-wide on Kartik Puranmashi, the full-moon day which falls on different dates each year in the month of Katak, October–November.

As an added attraction, it so happens that this Wednesday is Founder’s Day. No, I don’t know what that is, but I will doubtless find out. There will be more Ramp Walking, and Bhangra dancing (like at Fresher’s Day) and politicians will be on hand to speak, as well as our Founder, Colonel Sandhu. I know that all the gals dress up and it is a Formal occasion. Believe it or not, all last week’s classes were shortened to make time at the end of each day for rehearsals for the above. Education seems to be secondary to festivities at this school. And today, Dress Rehearsal – so really no kid is showing up for classes ( too excited - hence I have emailing time), whether they are taking part in Founder’s Day or not. AND, since Thursday is a Holiday – many kids have ALREADY gone home to their towns - choosing to bunk classes all week and also Founder’s Day in favour of another week off. I do not believe for a minute (nor does any other teacher) that anyone will show up to class on Friday. Curriculum be damned Bring out the Tablas!

So, when we arrived at school on Wednesday morning (Founder’s Day), we discovered that the whole campus had been duded up for the occasion. The front entrance completely draped, the outdoor amphitheatre completely covered with white fabric and lavishly decorated with floral arrangements, roll-out red carpets etc. and in the reception area, two rangoli projects were in progress by students. See pictures. Literally every brick and flower pot inside and outside of the school had been repainted with brick-coloured paint, and I could not help but think of Alice in Wonderland, where the Queen INSISTED on red roses so in fear, her minions painted all the white roses red.

The celebration itself was as usual for this flamboyant and over-the-top kind of function. Maybe you worked that out for yourselves – what with the brick and flowerpot painting. The students had prepared all kinds of activities, like modelling, skits, singing and dancing numbers. Of course, the crowd was exuberant, nay half wild with enthusiasm. I will send a few videos for reference.
Bhangra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4rGWYW4Rbg

The morning of that function which actually began at 1:30, Rob and I were rushed off by the marketing team to a school about ½ hour away, to promote our school. As usual, last- minute, as usual, ill-thought-out, and as usual a really big rush. So, we did make it back by 1: 30 for Founder’s Day fun,(which was already in progress) but of course, had not had lunch yet. Harpreet stopped us at the entrance, and ushered Rob and me into a private luncheon with all the other dignitaries (oh really!) like the Founder himself (Colonel Sandhu) who were going to eat and then make a grand entrance. So we did.- Into the front row which was equipped with easy chairs and not the stone benches others were occupying. Front row also got snacks, juice, water and chai (tea) in CHINA cups/saucers delivered throughout the event. I noticed that the second level of important people, like the Principal of one of the other schools, got tea, but in a Styrofoam cup. It’s like that…. A very lively and colourful event it was. I will only send a few videos to give you the flavour.

FYI: Firecrackers were(and always are) a HUGE part of Diwali here and have continued to be every day since – with cherry bombs going off hither and yon at any time of day. This morning (Nov. 5) , at 5 a.m., believe it or not, there was an incredible number of them exploded. Just so you are all clear on the quantity of fireworks set off here - The newspaper reported that the morning after Diwali, the air was still blue with gunpowder and the streets covered with the resulting paper shards – this despite the ongoing drive to make people aware of the environmental impact of firecrackers and promote a greener Diwali.

Then, Thursday was the actual Holiday, and firecrackers banged occasionally all day, but as soon as it got to be dusk, they pulled out all the stops. Non-stop for the next 6 hours, we heard huge percussive BANGS, CRACKLES, Sparkling Fireworks, in every direction – on our street, neighbouring streets, across the city – all underscored by the beautiful twinkling lights adorning every house. And please don’t let me forget the relentless chanting being broadcast from the gurudwara ALL DAY AND NIGHT. (Got that out of my system!) Little video clip from the balcony at 11:00 pm doesn’t really do it justice.

Back at work Friday and going birding Saturday. Migration should have started by now.

Hansi