I have a red dot on my forehead.

[Robert Maxwell]

I went downstairs to get some lunch from the deli on the first floor. It's run by a nice Indian guy, and he told me it was his new year, and proceeded to put red paint on my forehead and bless me and my family. Then he offered me some almonds, cashews, samosa, and rice pudding. I'd never had rice pudding or samosa before. They were really good, actually. His family was there celebrating while he worked, so at least he got to spend the holiday with them despite being at work.

I think I know what "Diwali" is now, too. I was a bit unclear before.

This is what I like about living on the east coast. When I lived in Indiana, I knew some people from India and Nepal, but they were very tight-lipped about their culture and didn't share it very much. I appreciated being made a part of this holiday. It was interesting.

Anyone else celebrating Diwali today, or know anyone who is?

 

[Lindley]

A friend of mine has a "Happy Diwali" message up on her GTalk, but that's all I can claim.

 

[WillsBabe]

A couple of girls on the bus home yesterday were talking about their Diwali preparations. Although it was rude of me to eavesdrop on their conversation I found it interesting to hear the excitement in their voices.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Yeah, it's apparently a really big deal. Me being a total nerd, I asked the guy what year it's going to be. 2066, in case you were wondering.

 

[StolenThunder]

Glasgow is depressingly devoid of other cultures so there's nothing like the celebration I used to see in London, but I did have the opportunity to wish a friend 'Happy Diwali' today.

 

[Diogenes]

Yeah, it's apparently a really big deal. Me being a total nerd, I asked the guy what year it's going to be. 2066, in case you were wondering.

"...to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go..." By those lights, the differences between Indiana and India or Brooklyn and Vermont, become vanishingly small. Sounds to me like you lived the moral and cultural ethic of Star Trek with your friends in the deli. The world would do well with many more nerds like you. I salute you. (from a Brooklyn Nerd)

 

[Commander Rabbit]

This is what I like about living on the east coast.

I love living in a multi-cultural environment.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

This is what I like about living on the east coast.

I love living in a multi-cultural environment.

Definitely. Indiana is a nice place, but it's very whitebread and boring. I am always surprised by what I find here in New Jersey.

 

[kes7]

My old neighborhood had this one family who threw the most amazing Diwali celebrations. Fireworks, free food for everyone, elaborate costumes, the works. The wife posted about it on Facebook and it made me really miss the old neighborhood.

 

[MeanJoePhaser]

It was a trick. Now everyone will think you are married and Hindu.

I would've said "Happy yom kippur!" to him.

 

[JuanBolio]

A red dot?

Duck.

 

[SilentP]

A red dot?

Duck.

 

[Kestra]

I celebrated Diwali with my family today. Little bit low-key this year, but still nice. Happy Diwali to everyone

 

[Colonel Green]

We have a large Sikh community here, so Diwali is a pretty big deal. I really like the fact that it's a multifaith holiday.

 

[Kestra]

Yesterday really should have been the date to celebrate technically, but I was out of state attending a football game and a bit of a reunion with my in-laws. When they discovered it was Diwali, they were so confused as to what I was doing with them. "But don't you need to celebrate it today?"

The truth is, we were just lucky that it fell on a weekend this year and I don't remember ever celebrating Diwali on the correct day. There's no time off for work or classes, no time to gather in the middle of a week and celebrate the way many people do for Christmas and other major holidays. We plan a party or family gathering and celebrate it when we can.

Also my parents got me a super glam, warm looking long coat as a present. Yay!

 

[SmoothieX]

OK, I'll bite, what is Diwali?

 

[Cicero]

President Obama's Diwali message

 

[FordSVT]

An Indian family has a booth on the weekend at the city market and sells the most delicious home-made samosas and Indian sweets/deserts. I ate 3 samosas for lunch yesterday. Mmmm... curry, chicken and vegetables.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

OK, I'll bite, what is Diwali?

Is it really that hard to find these things out?

 

[tharpdevenport]

I have a red dot on my forehead.

DUCK!!!!!




Anyway, I recall vaguely my sister having one of her forehead (but she's just a regular American white girl) until like she was nine.