Belly Dancers and Fire Batons!

 There is a large Indian population here in Brisbane and so when we saw Diwlali being publicized we were super excited to go check it out!  Diwali is the celebration of the Indian New Year, the Hindu Festival of Light.  It was a really cool night.

 They held the celebration at Chinatown in downtown Brisbane, so we took the train in.  There were all kinds of booths set up selling souvenirs and fancy Indian jewelry etc.  The Indian people in attendance were all wearing their beautiful saris with jewels pressed into their foreheads and sparkling designs on their shoes.  It was so colorful and beautiful.

  The people were so happy to share their culture with us.  There was a stand painting free temporary henna tattoos and women all around willing to fit you into a traditional sari or sell you a shimmery scarf.  They were all so friendly and I think they were

 truly happy to have us there celebrating with them.
  Probably similar to how the Mormons feel
 when guests  of other faiths attend our
 Hill Cumorah Pageant  or visit the streets of Nauvoo.


  It was fun to feel their pride in their culture and hospitality!

There were all kinds of performers on the street and on the stage.  Lots of belly dancers and because it is the Festival of Light, they traditionally do a lot with fire.  So we got to see lots of belly dancers with fire batons.  It was pretty awesome.  We ate some yummy Thai food (we ordered curry to at least "pretend" we were eating "Indian"...we couldn't resist the Thai.  It's an awesome restaurant in Chinatown.)

The night was so much fun.  It has been really great to get to know so many different cultures here.  Brisbane caters to many nationalities and cultures that we don't see as often being on the side of the planet.  The kids have participated in lots of different Mulslim, Indian and Asian traditions and holidays.  That is something I will miss so much about Brisbane.  And of course...getting to taste the different foods that go along with these traditions--that's been fun too!!!

So raise your glasses and sing "Auld Lang Syne"...here's to another fabulous New Year in India--or anywhere!