Travel Journals

India is a country of fairs, festivals and celebrations, There is no season in India without its particular festivals and festivities. They make life enjoyable and colourful by breaking the drudgery and monetary or routine life. Dipawali or Diwali is a major Indian festival observed with much enthusiasm, gay abandon and good preparation. It comes every year after rainy season in the Hindu month of Kartika (October - November). During this age-old festival there is festivity everywhere and people enjoy to their hearts’ content. The festivity is all pervasive and all the communities take an active part in the celebration.

During Diwali, days houses, shops and establishments are thoroughly cleaned, white-washed and repaired and then tastefully decorated. All over the cities, towns and villages there are meals and fairs and special shops are set up to sell sweets, fire crackers, lamps, pots and pans, fruits, flowers, toys, gift items etc. People are on a buying spree and purchase a lot of things including sweets, jewelery, new clothes and costly gifts. The bazzars and fairs are overcrowded and the businessman have excellent sales and profits.

It is an occasion of merry-making, exchange of sweets, gifts, greetings, good-wishes and for asking forgiveness from one another. At night earthen lamps are lit, fire-crackers burnt and visits are paid to friends and relatives. The exchange of pleasantries, gifts and sweets etc. give the much needed relief from the tensions, worries and routine of daily life. But gradually the earthen lamps are being replaced by candles and electric lights. This has affected the potter badly and his income has dwindled. The festival reminds us of Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana of Lanka. On this day Rama was crowned as king of Ayodhya and celebrations were held on a large scale. And every nook and corner was lighted with lamps at night. During night Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is worshipped and her blessings sought. The businessmen close their old accounts and open new books on this auspicious day. The Jains celebrate it because Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara obtained Nirvana on this day.

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Who has not experienced a situation such as this? After a long flight you arrive tired and hungry at your destination. You head down to the restaurant around the corner from your apartment in Rome and the food is not exactly the typical Italian food you had hoped for… Thus, it is best to research economic and delicious restaurants that are scattered around the area before arriving.

If what you are looking for is a true Italian restaurant, I can recommend August Da, which is an old and traditional place in Rome. Sit at one of the tables directly on the Piazza and the waiter will run over to put down a paper table cloth. If you do not understand what the prattling waiter says, tell him to bring you the plate of the day without thinking twice. It may be “coniglio” (rabbit), “pollo” (chicken), etc. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday and Saturdays at noon. Address: Piazza De ‘Renzi 15. How to arrive: Tram 8.

Da Giovanni is also magnificent. However, you must arrive early because the small and simple Osteria (porterhouse, and one of the last of its kind) is frequented by workers and locals, thanks to the home-made pasta and delicious wine. Open Monday through Saturday. Address: Via della Lungara 41a. How to arrive: buses 23 and 280.

Finally, I want to recommend the Gino e Pietro. It is a family restaurant, where Mamma Adriana is an amazing chef and Papà Pietro chooses the very best vegetables. The restaurant is always full of regular clients. Rudi VÃller went there once when he was playing for AS Roma. Open every day except Thursdays. Address: Via del Governo Vecchio 106. How to arrive: buses 62 and 64.

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