Yesterday at St. Mary’s Parish, I helped our friend to participate at Deepavali. It is called Divali or Diwali meaning the Festival of Lights. It is one of the most important Indian tradition celebrated with traditional activities. I was fortunate to witness this celebration this year at our Parish. Apparently, there is a Deepavali Fair Sydney somewhere in the city and also celebrated in other parts of Sydney.
We were dressed up with colourful sari, complete with accessories lent by our friend, Natasha. This was not our original costume but she brought these beautiful ones an hour before the mass.
I wasn’t able to take some pictures since I was assigned to welcome the mass goers and put some “tika“, a red powder marked on their forehead. It seems like ash wednesday but it’s red instead of grey colour of the ash.
There were dances, chanting and blowing of horns. Most of the indian community were wearing their traditional dress/costume. It was a nice experience and a unique one. After the celebration, I was again destined to hold the red bucket for the Philippine Typhoon Victim donation. We were standing at the doors to fund raise for the Philippines.
When we’re done doing our Eucharistic celebration’s obligation, we went to the Ron Dyer Centre where we had our morning tea. Again, with Indian food. However, since I was late, I didn’t get the chance to try any of them. Haha! Next year, I’ll make sure to be the first in line.
Have you been in a festival like this?
How was it?
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