Philip Khor

Diwali is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days, where the third days is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or ‘Festival of lights’. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. The festival od Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.

1. Our French lecturer from Mauritius is Hindu. She was ranting about the Star publishing pictures of Deepavali on the day itself (today), usually of prominent politicians (think uncle Samy) going to Batu Caves for the rituals. She claims that a lot of youngsters nowadays do not know the meaning of Diwali. They merely follow their elders to the temple out of obedience and compliance.

The point is: today’s pictures in the Star, yeah, they were taken YESTERDAY! Its a 5 day event, so the REAL excitement climaxes today and shall be reported tomorrow (lest your source of news in the internetz).

2. Fireworks. Whilst being driven home from cell last night, there were crackles of fireworks along the PJ NKVE toll near Tropicana. Isn’t it amazing that a cultural phenomena lasting thousands of years backdated “before Christ” is still being practiced and observed. Once you think about it, there are quite a number of things that has lasted through the ages. War, conflict, jealousy but at the same time, cooperation, collaboration and superstition.

3.  Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. This year, it is end of January.
“Loi” means “to float”. “Krathong” is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions use specially made bread ‘flowers’ and may use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworks and beauty contests take place during the festival.

Need to make booking to Thailand during this time. Excuse me, did you see “beauty contests” :) woohooo!!!

4. Breathtaking DVD + Audio CD. Ordered my copy, throughly excited. I really like the tracks with detailed synth and effects, the happy ones :)

Oh, our cell will be hosting today’s Saturday service. @joelvergis VALIDATION (of parking ticket)

lol, it would be nice to smile to people and make them excited about service (and the fellowship thereafter).

And tonight, Manchester United vs Bolton. Big win for United on the cards!