this time last year we were in Nepal trekking through the Himalayas....I get goose bumps when I say that! I can't believe how lucky we are to travel to the places we do, meet wonderful people along the way, and see the incredible places we visit....so lucky. when we travelled to Nepal the festival of Diwali was just finishing. on our first night in Kathmandu we lay in bed listening to bells ringing, firecrackers exploding, excited voices, dogs barking and cats wailing!
as we travelled throughout Nepal and then down in to India the remains of Diwali were everywhere...mandalas in doorways, marigolds, signs, coloured powders on animals, etc. my favourite remains though had to be the countless garlands made from whatever was available in the environment. these two photos show some across waterways we crossed whilst trekking....in those Himalayas! I'm inspired to get out and make some from my garden now...but it's raining so it will have to wait til another day.
marigolds were draped everywhere and contributed so much colour.
Diwali is also known as the festival of lights and is celebrated by various religions. for Hindus it is celebrated in families with traditional activities and in Nepal and India it is an official holiday. the word Diwali translates as "row of lamps" and small clay lamps are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil.
