Had a Jolly Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights that commemorates the return of prince and avatar of Vishnu Rama with his bride and avatar of Lakshmi Sita and Rama's brother Lakshmana to the city of Ayodhya after the defeat of the demon king Ravana (discussed in this post from three years ago), started yesterday. I was unable to commemorate it last night, but after work today, I hit one of my favorite Indian restauarants for dinner. The place was well-attended, with a bunch of Desi couples and families enjoying their holiday meals.

Apparently, Diwali fireworks are being implicated as a factor in seasonal pollution in northern Indian cities. I am not one to criticize, because after the meal I ate, I will be having a negative effect on local air quality myself.

Poking around the t00bz, I found a joint Indian/Japanese animated version of Ramayana, a perfect coda to a nice Diwali:





The 1992 release has an interesting history- while initially it was a welcome collaboration between Indian artists and a sensitive Japanese director who had done extensive research, it was being made during a period a religious/political controversy. Fortunately, production was completed, and it is a beautifully made, respectful adaptation.