The auspicious moment was a puja = prayer ritual

yesterday we spiritually celebrated the opening of admissions to Kunskapsskolan International

the ceremony took place in the cafeteria where we all sat on mattresses

(thank god for that cause otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get up again)

preparations preparations

I love to see how these beautiful patterns are made with herbs, spices, rice etc

preparations are almost done and it can begin...

Mr M got a "ring with an antenna" for better connection up there....

here we go....

rituals, prayers and songs for a little more than an hour

there are about 250 workers at school and they where given clothes donated by 

Kunskapsskolans parents and staff

great day 

and what an experience to be part of an important puja

Ganesh Chaturthi

I have totally forgot to tell you about Ganesh Chaturthi...

the Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the god Ganesha, 

the elephant-headed remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings and wisdom..

this year the festival started on the 29th august 

( and I think it lasted for 10 days )

during the festival I have seen shrines with clay Ganeshas being worshipped with

herbal leaves, plants and water...

just a little mix of some of the many Ganeshas around....

from simple clay to the adorned with colours or glitter or both

I'm so happy with the Ganesha we have at home

remember .....

he still welcomes me home every day 

Happy Holi

I just want to wish all of you a 

(photo credit to someone out their in the cyberspace...I just added the text)

I have been busy as a bee the last two days but I'll try and make it up to you.....even though I'm not sure when I'll do it....the coming days will also be very busy....I'll do my best though....

today it's all about colours !! the festival of colours....and yes I have bought some ....

and yes I sure hope they wash out.....otherwise it will be a colourful week !

hopefully I can get back to you later on today....

have a happy holi ! 

Celebrating my first Diwali

yesterday was all about Diwali…the festival of light….kind of  Christmas and New Years all in one….gifts, sweets, fireworks and candles…

almost everything is dressed in christmas lights in all kinds of colours

like my favourite sign !

some houses are really dressed in lights….

Had a wonderful day with our best friends ….lit all our clay lamps and candles…had a great dinner , good wine and lots of laughs and Christmas music !

Watched all the fireworks from our place on the 20th floor….

I've never seen nor heard such intensive firework explosions all through the night…(we didn't appreciate it as much when we woke up to a big bang and the dogs barking really early in the morning)

Goddess Lakshmi must feel welcomed with all these lights all through the night !

Diwali puja preparations

 while on the road yesterday we saw all these preparations for the puja….read prayers

marigold mallas…..leaf mallas….

along all the roads they where selling these mallas…..beautiful colours….

at Kunskapsskolan they also had a Diwali puja in the morning

Lord Shiva with wife Parvati and their son Ganesha….

amazing colours in marigold don't you think ?