The last few days have been Tihar over here which is the Nepali equivalent of Divali. This has meant that houses and shops are decorated with fairy lights and garlands of flowers (usually orange). There are lots of candles and fancy lights along driveways and around gates to welcome goddess Lakshmi, goddess of welath, into your home. It all looks beautiful. I was at the refuge on Saturday for the day which was fun. Competitions and games were organised for the children and there was a great atmosphere. We ate popcorn for lunch. Just popcorn. Does popcorn count towards the 5 a day?
It was also 'Day of the Dogs' which I discovered when I arrived in the village to find all manner of waifs and strays had been 'tika'd and given a flower garland. Above is a picture of one of the refuge dogs 'Bikkie'. You can just about to make out the red mark on the top of his head. As I write this I am really wondering where and when this ceremony originated. Considering the appalling way many dogs are treated it seems strange to honour them in this way. The blessing of the machines I can understand since people are dependent on them but dogs? I guess it's nice that they get one day of guaranteed (friendly) attention.
On Sunday I went round to my bosses house where the children came down in the afternoon for a programme of singing and dancing. Over the last few days children visit local houses to perform for sweets and money. It's a bit like trick or treating but there are no tricks which makes it a much less stressful situation. Although this should be tempered with the torment of firecrackers and fireworks going off all through the night. Disappointingly there is no organised fireworks display. I have been up on the roof a few times but apart from spotting the odd one or two there is nothing to see.
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