DAY 136 - AGRA

136) THURSDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 1977 : 0KMS. - AGRA

 

Late last night I heard bang sounding periodically, it was the beginning sign of the  Indian Diwali celebrating.  Every  house is illuminated by candles and oil lamps to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and learning.

Laxmi / Lakshmi - Photo ; blogsgoblogs.blogspot.com / Bing images search

 

In the morning, I heard surprising calls.  When I looked out to the parking lot, where it is a vast pasture and woods, I saw a  big bird on a branch.  It was  a young  peacock. So I walked a little closer and  looked  through to the ground in open area inside the woods, I saw a peahen with 3 peachicks walking behind. This was the first time I saw wild peacocks. Not far from the Taj Mahal, a flock of parrots flew screaming noisily.

 

 

Photo : thewildlifeanimals.com / Bing images search

In the evening, we went out  to see how the Indian people  celebrate Diwali (Deepavali) in the market (a large market). There were many people walking around with firecrackers and fireworks (they commonly played  pinwheels).   

Diwali celebration - Photo : festival-india.com / Bing images search

We walked passing shophouses, where  statuettes of Lord Shiva and Lakshmi were displayed (painted statuettes were sold widely for this celebration) and surrounded by sacrificial offerings,  laying  on a platform or a table covered with white cloth. There were rows of lit candles at storefronts and entrance doors.

Swastika - Photo :  gav.org.au / Bing images search

I saw people having  their  wrists tied  around by  holy thread and having their forehead anointed by elderlies.  Some shophouses painted  a swastika sign at the entrances  (it marks the beginning  in every Hindu ceremony). 

WIKIPEDIA: The swastika is recognized as a Hindu symbol in most parts of the world. In Hinduism, the swastika is at times in certain sects considered a symbolic representation of Ganesha. In Hindu rites, Ganesha is offered first offerings in every pooja. The swastika is made with Sindoor during Hindu religious rites.