Indians in Taiwan: Diwali Festival of Lights
Do you fall into boring patterns in life? …Go to the same places, see the same people, drink the same beer? One thing I enjoy about Taiwan are the interesting things that just happen out of the blue.
My evening went like this:
I was meeting some people that wanted to buy my old scooter. We met, conveniently enough, at a 7 - 11 near the local college campus. Directly after that, I met an old friend that happened to be going to 7 - 11 after class for a few beers. OK, why not eh? We stayed there reminiscing and waiting for his wife to get out of class. Several of his Indian classmates came by and we were invited to their celebration of Diwali, or the festival of lights (all photos here).
When we got to the park, we listened to an older man give an uplifting speech about light as a metaphor for knowledge.
Before i knew it we were in a park introducing ourselves the somewhat large Indian community of Tainan. They all spoke English there (it is one of two national languages in India) as they all came from different areas of India, and most spoke different languages so to communicate they used English.
Then we lit candles (no easy task with the wind gusting)
and set them on the ground in the shape of India. I took so many shots of this I ran out of memory on the camera a little too soon and after coming home, I realize my camera really sucks in low light situations. It’s too bad I couldn’t have taken better photos for them.
After that they carted in the Indian food buffet from Deepok and the local Hari Om Indian restaurant. I ate so much I nearly burst.
Then it was on to lighting fireworks and sparklers and having a good old time.
One thing I noticed was that the woman took off and ate by themselves. I mentioned this and was told it was hard to say exactly why, but that it is a remnant of custom. Old habits die hard I suppose, and woman in India have a lot more expected of them in modern society.
I met so many kind, interesting people tonight, and I hope to see them all again some time. It was a special event for the growing Indian community here and I am very happy to have participated. If any of you see this, email me sometime. therealtaiwan[at] gmail.com
Wow, I never knew Diwali was celebrated in Taiwan. I didn’t think there were enough Indians living here. I’ve been to 3 Diwali’s in India - it’s a great festival.
This was the second year the Indian community in Tainan got together to celebrate this festival. I imagine being in India would be no comparison though. It was a nice treat for me as I ate some good Indian food, met some cool people, took some photos, and learned a bit about Indian culture.
Great job,
I will be in Taipei from 20-30 sept 08, Want to know more about our community in Taipei-avnish-91-9810190841
i wish i could join tommorow’s diwali…………i miss my place so much……..i stay in yilan n there’s only two indian me n my brother………studing in tku
hi everyone here very huge indian comunity, here have indian temple “jain Temple” at taipei city on Tun hwa south road sec -2 near star bucks u can go wosrship there , here more then 60 jain family live in taipei u can join us . Dearsar number is 02-27009006 or u can mobile Mr. rakesh 0932026425 (indian club president)
Hi guys,
I am currently in London and will be coming to Taipei for 6 months for an internship. I am bit scared of the language problem. Is it really tough to socialize there. Also some information about living expenses and entertainment places is most welcome.
Thanks
i don’t understand why us indians want to stink wherever we go… guys grow up and make some meaninful clubs which will excite indians to join u…. not the kind foolish activities showing in the pics…. rakesh specially u Mr. President .. where do u live Taipei or shinchun
Hai I am Dr.M.raja, joined as a post doc at NTU taiwan
hi
I am planning to come to taiwan, National Taiwan Univ Hosp for fellowship some time in mid 2010, please let me know how much will be the expenses per head per month…regards. If I can get your contact no i will speak to you…Regards
Great !!!
Hi:
Is there anyone in Kaoshiung who can teach me Hindi language.
Thanks