Happy Diwali from San Diego
We had one of our big Diwali celebrations in San Diego on October 15, 2016. It was the Festival of Lights held at Balboa Park. It was a fantastic event, yet again. This year it was special, because as well as dancing, we had singing, and there was a world-class singer who entertained us, so it was truly magnificent. His name is Aditya Rao, and apparently he has won several awards, and has appeared in several videos like the one below:
Here he is performing at Balboa Park, and he’s also seen in this video that I made
Here is a video that shows the lighting of the lamps display, and the women carrying the lamps during the lamp parade.
Here is a video showing Punjabi music and specifically, Bhangra at the Festival Of Lights….spectacular!
Here are more photos showing Aditya Rao, and the performances that he was part of.
Here are some other pictures taken at Festival Of Lights
These are the lamps on display. I have never taken pictures of the lamps before as I always get a seat, and never venture towards the lamps, but this year I did, and I’m glad!
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Here are some of the other performances
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
One of Aditya Rao again, with the main presenter
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Here’s little Chandra having fun!
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
This is Aditya Rao standing with the main organizers and this is just prior to the Indian Anthem being sung
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
President Barack Obama graced Diwali at Balboa Park with his presence, even though it was just on screen. He wished us a Happy Diwali! This was ever so nice, just to see President Obama in Balboa Park!
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park, San Diego – October 15, 2016
I really love going to the Festival Of Lights, as I enjoy seeing the performances, seeing Balboa Park again, seeing the stage graced by beautiful dances in clothes that sparkle, and then of course the lights tinkle! I also enjoy eating the Indian food that is available from many of the vendors who participate in Festival Of Lights. This year I got samosas, chicken saag and rice, and gulab jamun – that was two trays of food for me and Chandra, which included passion fruit juice for her and a nice cup of Pumpkin Spice Chai that cost just $9. You can’t beat that price!
I hope you enjoyed my pictures of the Festival Of Lights, and I hope you all have a truly beautiful Diwali. May light conquer over darkness, may good prevail over evil, and may we all experience peace, joy and prosperity on Diwali, and in the year ahead. Happy Diwali!
Magical Bathroom at Sloan’s Ice Cream in San Diego
Did you know there’s a place with a magical bathroom? You may have to come all the way to San Diego to visit it though! Just kidding! I think there’s more of these – at least there are in Florida.
The place is called Sloan’s Luxury Ice Cream, and the ice cream is delicious! I’ve switched my tastes lately to frozen yogurt, and resist ice-cream, but who can resist the decor, it beckons you, tantalizes your every bit of sense, and plunges you into temptation – the temptation to indulge in ice-cream or fudge. Of course, there is candy, and I believe all kinds of toffee apples covered with scrumptious coatings of the most exquisite imaginings, such as white chocolate, caramel, and…..well you get it! Then there are toys that entice the kids.
But, then…….there is the magic bathroom. Just be careful that you lock the door, or else everyone will be able to see you while you are in there. See my video below. I actually made this video several months ago in August, before my oldest went off to college in September, but didn’t get to upload it until yesterday. When my kids saw there was a bathroom which was visible from a part of the store where all the stuffed animals are, they were curious because you could see into the bathroom, so off they went to explore. I could not get my son to be part of the video, but he enjoys Sloan’s just as much as all of us.
We went just again this Friday to celebrate my youngest daughter’s birthday. Did I tell you it’s a great place for a celebration?
Here’s my video
Sloan’s Luxury And Magical Bathroom
Diwali Mela in San Diego – So Colorful!
The Diwali Mela took place in the Black Mountain Road area of Mira Mesa, San Diego on October 25, 2014. It was a packed-out event, and a great way to spend the evening. There were many performances to Bollywood songs, and of course at least one to Bhangra!
Here are some pictures, and at the bottom of this page, you can see some videos that I made. If there is one thing that should strike you from looking at the pictures is that Indian outfits are so colorful, as well as pretty!
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Now, for a break away from the performances – just take a look at all the people, and there were more!
Diwali Mela, San Diego
I tried a few different dishes including the Punjabi Karhi and Rice, one of my favorites – I should have taken a picture! I did take one of the Alloon Paratha – which were quite delicous (bread stuffed with potatoes and spices, that is cooked on a tava or griddle, and then smothered with oil or butter).
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Now back to the pictures of the performers.
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
Diwali Mela, San Diego
I hope that added some color into your day!
Here is the video showing the Punjabi dance:
Here is the video showing the Rajasthan dance:
Here is the video showing a variety of the performances, including the women’s fashion show and the men’s fashion show.
Don’t miss the performance towards the end of this last video showing a dance to Bang Bang – the Bollywood movie starring Hrithik Roshan, and watch out for the little boy in the audience who definitely has dance fever!
luchanik 