Rangoli...Saathiya...!!

Surti women known for their creativity have long been fond of doing Rangoli's or "Saathiya" from Dhanteras to Laabh Pancham in front of their homes to appease the Goddesses.. From the few "Karothi" sellers in old Surat to the "Laariwala" selling colors in posh Athwa Lines area... its been one long journey, and Surti women just love to outdo each other on Diwali night!

A lovely Rangoli in Gopipura area... Apart from the colors n karothi, its in to use diyas and aabhla's!

Marigolds...

Surtis know its Diwali time the moment they see hawkers selling Marigolds all over town. Most Surti women buy marigolds in kilos and make the toran's themselves... while others prefer the readymade variety. I just couldnt resist catching two sellers in a pensive mood !!

Diwali Decorations...

In times gone by, Surtis used to make "Torans" to decorate the entrance to their homes... With times, these have now changed to readymade ones. Should you be buying crackers from any Fatakda Shop, you would come across shops like these selling Trinkets, Torans, Diyas, Readymade Rangolis...

Diwali Crackers...!!

Firecracker Stores used to be at just a few places some years ago, but have now mushroomed all over the city, though quite a few children have adopted the "No Crackers" attitude. But then, what is Diwali without the "Fatakda's"!!!

The look on these childrens faces is akin to being in candy store!! All set to have a cracker of a Diwali'08.

Mobility...SMC Style!

Interesting initiative taken by Surat Muncipal Corporation... a Mobile Toilet Van which can be carted around to venues, providing a clean option for events held at public places where toilets may not be available.

Chandni Padva...Ghaari, Bhusu...

One of the most unique, and looked forward to is the first day of the 14 day countdown to Diwali... "Chandni Padva" celebrated by Surtis in true Surti "spirits"!! A special sweet called Ghaari is made in tons n tons, and relished on this day alone. Nowhere else would you see people standing in queue's, and literally fighting their way to get Ghaari & Bhusu from their favourite Jamnadas Ghariwala & Ramji Damodar.
"Ghaari" in all its sweet, ghee enriched glory!! Surti's throng the road from Athwa Lines to Dumas, Farmhouses, Terraces, are all venues for family/friends to get together at nite and relish Ghaari/Bhusu under moonlight... Obviously the "spirits" run high too!

Salabatpura Tadwali Sheri..

These are pictures of a unique event taking place once a year on the 8th day of the Hindu Aaso month in Tadwali Sheri in Salabatpura area. A time honoured tradition carried out by the Ghariwala family, where the picture of a Godess (Chanchri Mata) is installed on a small Red Stand for that day. The offerings are unique.... either "Sugarcane" or "Notebooks & Ballpens". Its believed that offering Sugarcane to the Goddess cures you of Diabetes, and offering Notebooks/Ballpens ensures children study well...!!

Flowers in Nanpura..

Early morning in Nanpura Timaliyawad... Festive season round the corner?

Gods for sale...

A few areas of Surat including Majura Gate, have become "Idol Junctions" where artisans make seasonal idols... While the unsold Amba Mata idols lay discarded now that Navratri is over. Its back to Sai Baba in technicolor!

Ravana... Up and ready!

He's finally up and awaiting the flaming arrows of Ram...!! A very interesting order was relayed by the organisers you see seated below the Ravana to the workers before they got into their cars and broke for Lunch, while I was taking these pics... "Arrey Bhaiyya, zara Ravana ko thik thak kar lena... aur us pe jo bhi taangna vaangna ho to shaam se pehle taang dena!!"