My very Cypriot Diwali

Limassol -Cyprus. Diwali 2009 - the Indian festival of lights

Another Cyprus Diwali* like in the past 12 years, celebrated with our Cypriot and other non-Indian friends. It is a ritual and tradition we have kept unbroken, not only because it means so much to us but because now it means so much to our friends in Cyprus.

They question us about the exact date for a month before; they turn down other important invitations; schedule their travels to accommodate it; they tell us and the world that ‘it is the biggest event in their calendar before their Christmas’; they make an effort to dress Indian for the evening; they share our Indian vegetarian fare eagerly; and they just generally bring our home alive with their warmth and the true spirit of Diwali.