Diwali
Happy Diwali, Guria followers! Diwali- the celebration of Ram’s triumph over Ravan, of the return of truth and wealth, and of lighting hundreds of diyas- was technically on November 3 rd . Although the actual festival was not for a few days, Diwali festivities at the Guria center were in full swing by October 31 st . Our celebration included a dinner of soft drinks and fried rice prepared by some of the older girls, fireworks, and the much anticipated judgment of the center’s annual Diwali decorations competition. Staff, interns, and children alike, the Guria community was split between the Non-Formal Education Center’s two buildings. Each team was tasked with decorating their building as they chose, and each was determined to do anything possible to win the competition. For a full week leading up to the party, both buildings were abuzz with rangoli-making, sand-painting and paper-chain cutting. After a few days of heated competition, several groups of interns visiting Banaras