After the conference was finished for the day, the majority of our group (Tibetan teachers as well as SFU students) decided to go into the city to attend a Dushera celebration. The highlight of the Hindu celebration is the burning of massive paper/cracker statues of demonic figures; set alight via fireworks and representing the abolishment of evil spirits. The ceremony had several vendors selling Indian food, jewellery and advertising local products and companies. In addition, there was a section that had some little fair rides similar to what one might find at a local fair in Canada, with a miniature Ferris wheel, pirate ship ride, etc. There were also performers who led the crowd, consisting primarily of young men, in a very animated dance to Bhangra music.
What made/will make the celebration unique from Canada and particularly memorable was the deliriously arranged fireworks show, where spinning wheels of fireworks would occasionally come loose from their fastens and careen into the swarming crowd, who in turn would frantically lurch backwards with mad panic. The fireworks that were shot into the air frequently went off haphazardly, either shooting just above the heads of individuals at the front of the masses or up into the sky directly above the crowd. More than a few times burning embers would come drifting into the crowd. Each was met with frenzied steps backward and shrieking. We can certainly say that we have never attended such an adrenalin charged fireworks performance!
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