Dussehra and Two-Month Indiaversary

Today is, yep, you guessed it, another holiday in India. Another day off for me, and also the eve of my two-month Indiaversary, as I am calling it! Today is Dussehra, or "day 10," following the nine-night festival of Navratri. Dussehra falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon during this Hindu month of Ashvin. According to legend, after praying to Durga (warrior goddess) for 9 days, Rama then killed the 10-headed demon Ravana on this, the 10th day. This is the ultimate celebration for the triumph of good over evil. From what I understand, the festival is celebrated all over India, but is the most important festival for the Bengalis. I am also told that different families celebrate this day differently, pujas, some fast, some feast, etc. My neighborhood is decorated in a festive manner. There are puja garlands/flowers EVERYWHERE! They are on rikshaws, cars, motorcyles, and around doorways. As you know, the puja flowers are one of my favorite sights in India. I even bought several garlands because, well, because I just love them!
I, however, think I am going to celebrate Dussehra with a nap, as I haven't been sleeping at all the past two nights...thank you very much malaria prevention meds! Perhaps when I awake, I will explore!
Today also marks the eve of my leaving C-bus two months ago. In some ways, it seems like yesterday, in other ways, it seems like years ago! I, of course, am going to celebrate this milestone in Goa this weekend with Bree. There will be much more about that later. During my two-month stay, I have learned a lot, seem a lot and grown a lot. I have also picked up a few sayings along the way......
"They say"..................................................."We say"
What is your good name? ......................What is your name?
What is your program? ..........................What is your schedule?
Scheme/offer ..........................................Discount or special financing
That's what!............................................. That's right or No way!
It is there ..............................................We have that to offer or it is available.
Take, Have, Eat, Come, Go (one word commands).... We tend to use the whole sentence, mostly
Tell me.................................................... What's up or what is the news?
Do the needful........................................ Take care of any outstanding task
Chalo (Hindi).......................................... Let's go or let's leave
Chai for ALL tea ....................................We recognize tea and chai differently
Make a move .........................................Let's go or let's leave
Namaste (has several purposes)......... Hello, greetings (for the most part)
How are you finding...?.......................... How do you like...??
And so many more that escape me right now....I have also picked up on the ever-present hand "flip," sort of a flat plam, splayed figure gesture, used to sort of make a point, or to indicate finality, in a sense.....
In all, an incredible two months thus far. I CANNOT say enough about the warmth of the Indian people and their hospitality. I am, on a daily basis, thankful for the kindness of friends, and strangers, that have made this journey a wonderful experience. And on that note, we start month three!