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Today we decided to decline the invitation to join the group from UFV Canada on their day trip to beautiful Shimla.
It was time to get caught up on some school work and prepare for the busy week ahead.
On the way to the campus, we were intrigued by this strange looking butterfly.
We stopped at the Sector 32 shops to pick up a few things for Diwali.
You did not want to travel very far in the city today because the traffic was heavy. Everyone was finishing their shopping for the big day tomorrow.
The number of vendors in Sector 32 has almost doubled as temporary stalls are set up on the sidewalks and in the parking lot. They are selling candles, clay candle holders, statues of Hindu gods, Diwali decorations and sweets.
The permanent shops all have sales and so their merchandise, too, is spilling out on to the sidewalks.
There is so much colour and action!
In the evening, we walked through our neighbourhood to see all the lighted houses--just like Christmas at home.
It is the Festival of Lights!
At the Sector 34 shopping area, the "Sweets" stopped to buy some sweets.
Sweets are the traditional gift given to friends, neighbours, business associates, etc. on Diwali.
This vendor had a huge variety of sweets and would put together whatever selection you wanted.
Many also sell attractive platters or boxes of almonds and raisins.
A shoe store had a big sale of shoes--150 rupees, 200 rupees.......
If you couldn't find what you liked on the table, there were plenty more in the storage car!
The market area was filled with people and there was such a festive feeling. Lights, garlands, candles and all the decorations were being sold.
Packets of different coloured rice powder, crushed limestone or chalk are also sold so that Rangoli designs can be made on the floors of houses as a welcome sign, particularly for the goddess Lakshmi.
My favourite shoe store had its usual colourful display of flip flops.
Sector 34 has a row of flower vendors and they always have the most gorgeous arrangements. Tonight they were extremely busy. We were so shocked to learn that the large arrangements of roses and orchids with palm leaves cost only 600 rupees!
Special garlands for decorating the home for Diwali are made from marigolds or mango leaves.
We have seen many vendors selling these around the city over the past few days.
Across the street from the shops is an area that always has a special market set up. This one featured stalls of products sold by women entrepreneurs.
The midway adjacent was filled with people. Everyone seems to be out and about celebrating. The fire crackers continue on into the night and they are supposed to drive away the evil spirits. I am in favour of that.
We look forward tomorrow to our enjoying Diwali in India!
On a sad note, we learned today of the passing of George's brother-in-law of over 60 years, Stan Brown.
As well as being a loving family man with a great wit, Stan was an engineer who worked on the design and building of the Avro Arrow in the late 1950's. He was heartbroken when that aircraft project, state of the art, was cancelled.
Our thoughts are with sister Joyce, and Bruce, Barb and their families.
Rest in Peace, Uncle Stan........
