Must Be the Money

I'm cringing at the title of this blog, but I just had to do it because I heard this song while in a club last night and got a good laugh. Once my laughter subsided, I proceeded to sing along with every word...which I know thanks to Joey, Paul and Chris and their obsession with this song several years ago. And I figured the title was semi-appropriate since today is Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It is also the day when Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, Beauty and Prosperity is worshipped. Diwali celebrates the return of Rama after 14 years in exile. As part of the celebration, people visit family and friends, share sweets, gamble and set off fireworks (or crackers as they call them here). It's kind of like Christmas festivities, Fourth of July fireworks and a trip to Vegas all rolled into one. Homes and businesses are cleaned and decorated to welcome Lakshmi, who will visit to bless the people. Women buy new utensils. Clay oil lamps are lit and displayed everywhere.

In the days leading up to the holiday, the city has been filled with Diwali excitement. Markets and shops were more crowded this week and my office was a virtual ghost town on Friday. The exception was the few people gathered for a photo in the Accenture office. And like every other office, shop and house, it was brightly decorated for holiday.

Most people have told me that this is one of the most exciting times to be in India. Only a few have warned me that it is one of the worst. I'm sure it will be one of the craziest and most memorable. Plans for the day include a Diwali lunch at the apartment of some Danish friends and a party in the evening at the apartment of some French friends. And fireworks, of course. Assuming I can avoid getting hit by errant crackers, I will report back on how the day turned out. Until, then Happy Diwali.