My roommate usually goes to visit his girlfriend during the weekend. The past weekend is Diwali (11/14), one of the biggest Indian holiday to celebrate light over evil. I was eager to hear how it went.
When I got up on Monday and came to the living room, I saw a card with my name in big letter in the middle of the table. I opened it and it was written by my roommate’s girlfriend who thank me to be generous and thoughtful, often asking Shiv to bring different foods so she could try it. She also mentioned the cake I gave them to celebrate his birthday and her acceptance to dental program (read more in “Double Celebration” post). She hope I’d enjoy the “gift”. At first, I couldn’t recognize the word yet it became clear once I opened the fridge – 3 Chinese-style bread and pastry were smiling at me :).
What a sweet surprise, as Diwali lights-up the day! I was touched by her words and thoughts. I like to try new things/ food and share with people. I love Indian food and I have tried the masala chicken and biryani rice she made as well as the Indian sweets sent by my roommate’s mom. I’m a lucky beneficiary, even better, I learned/ heard the customs and family stories at the same time. What a better way to share the culture?
Today I learned from my roommate and his girlfriend that for people in Gujarati where their families are from, the Hindu/ Jain New Year starts after Diwali. People wish each other ‘Sal Mubarak’ (Happy New Year).
Sal Mubarak & Light over evil!