University Women's Association Divali party 2 November 2010

Divali as defined by Wikipedia:  Deepawali (also spelled Divali in other countries) or Diwali^[1] is popularly known as thefestival of lights. It is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For most Hindus and Indians, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated with families performing traditional activities together in their homes. Deepavali is an official holiday in India, ^[2] Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago,Mauritius, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar , Fiji ,Suriname and Guyana

The name Diwali is itself a contraction of the word Deepavali (Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvali), which translates into row of lamps.^[3] Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) (orDeep in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Some Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali, hoping for prosperity the following year.

The University Women's Association which runs The Clinic for the Poor, where I volunteer three days a week, held their Divali celebration at the Coonoor Club.  That's Sheila on the left. 

This is beautiful kolams in the doorway of the event.

Radha making some adjustments to Sheila's necklace.

Ann Thadeus works with me at the clinic.  We have a lot of fun together.

Sara Hanif, the clinic's nurse and my good friend

The kolam and lamps in front of the stage.

Sheila, Malathi Mithal, Carolyn, Ann

I was one of six women chosen as wearing the prettiest sarees.  I had  3" heels on (because they were the only black sandals I had that didn't have the thing between the toes which hurt like hell, ya know?), so look how I tower over everybody!  I'm always taller than anyone as it is.

We were each expected to take turns showing off our sarees.  I was not even in the top three finalists.  The gal in the pink won.

These high-school girls came and did a Divali dance for us.  It was wonderful!  Here's a video of part of it.

The event ended in a snack buffet of food brought by some of the members and a chance to socialize together.  It was fun for me because I don't get invited to many social events.  And it's fun to see everybody in sarees!