The real festival of Lights

It was a bit chilly and windy than usual this year but we braved through it and had an excellent Karthigai Deepam celebrations.I think Karthigai Deepam has become my favourite in the recent times and I am thankful for having yet another good one.

It was a quiet day from the morning, did not have much to clean up,the lamp cleaning started only in the evening.Everything that was needed were bought earlier on, fearing the onset of Vardah storm but thankfully it did not even rain in our part of the state.

After a cleaning the lamps, it was time to draw the rangoli.Mom planning the kolam in paper

which came alive within a half an hour in the frontyard,attractive to look at any angle I would say!

Every year we plan to have something new in the deck.Our new addition for this year Deepam were these which we bought in a sale during Deepavali.

Soon the sun set and the moon arose, the first lamp was lit and then all followed suit..

first the kolam was decorated

then some on the footsteps

and many on the compound wall

the lamps had the task to brave the blowing wind

Many went off often but lit again within an instant in our constant watch

the second day, the kolam planned was of a smaller size as is the norm

but the lamp counts were the same on the many compound walls to my delight

I spent eons watching the glowing lamps..

..feeling grateful for the peaceful time.