Bollyween

If you go down to the Punjabi market this week, you'll see the hybrid between Diwali and Halloween. Most of the Sari shops are closed Tuesdays, but I couldn't help getting into the spirit and heading to All India Sweets for the veggie buffet and chai. Any excuse for me to have chai and gulab jamin is a good one. I love the name "Mystical Distribution Company Ltd." on the fireworks sign. I noticed that one kind of fireworks was called "Tough Mothers," illustrated by the cartoon of a frowning military guy and another was called "Fallen Heroe's" [sic] with a big Canadian flag on the package.

^Because it's good to have fresh breath when you're talking on the phone!

I love the Punjabi market and I went into one store that was all decorated with glittering streamers and bought some rhinestone bindis to add a Bollywood touch to my Halloween costume. After all, bees have more than one "third eye." In fact, they have three eyes in the middle of their forehead.

^Burfi and gulab jamin. Yum!

^This is a tradition costume with a gothic twist and a little melted head in front of yet another store selling fireworks. I love the ad hoc gesture of tying the sleeves to the axe. It makes it even more creepy. It made me a little queazy, to tell the truth. Gives a new edge to the cultural "melting pot".