Designing Rangoli with Mattisse,Sophie,Clemence,Nicolas,Cedric,Hugo and Alice at our Ecole Francaise de Bombay at Breach Candy in Bombay 
Rangoli Made by little french students in Bombay in 2004
The modern cardboard sequinned readymade Rangoli
Diwali - one of the most popular festivals not only in India,but in several Asian countries .The festival of lights,colour,joy and love.A celebration of the triumph of good over evil by lighting diyas -small colourful clay lamps filled with oil and lit by a cotton wick, lighting firecrackers and multicoloured lanterns ,and exchanging sweets and snacks with friends and family.
Though I come from a Muslim family,as kids , we always celebrated Diwali by lighting firecrackers with our friends and neighbours.When we'd go to our hometown in Manglore during Diwali school vacations,we'd light firecrackers with our cousins.Later,during my phase of teaching at my job at a prestigious private indian school,we'd celebrate this lovely festival with the kindergarten children who'd come dressed in the cutest indian outfits,we'd decorate the classroom with festive art and handmade lanterns and prepare a class Rangoli with flower petals.In the higher classes,the young ones would have a 'Rangoli decoration contest' where their designs would be judged by the school principal .We'd share delicious typical festive sweets and savoury snacks together provided by the school.
A few years later,at my next job at the International french school in Bombay for the french speaking expatriates' children,as a teacher of English and art,I tried my best to teach indian culture and art not only for Diwali,but also other festivals.The pupils,parents and colleagues were thirsty for knowledge and significance of indian culture and thoroughly enjoyed participating in every aspect of festival preparation.We 'd make paper lanters,paint Rangoli on paper with the help of stencil designs,paint clay diyas and craft replicas of firecrackers.Just a year before moving to Scotland,I got to see Diwali being celebrated in Dubai and in SriLanka when I went on holiday there with my sister which was very colourful and pompous.
A unique, creative and original Rangoli designed by my friend Prajakta using M &M's and dry lentils
In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope.
