Karthikai

My first actual Karthikai at home. Well, last year is not counted as I had just moved into my apartment and things were in a mess. This year, I have set up my home and was looking forward for Saturday to light up the tiny little lamps to celebrate the 6 beautiful Karthikai maidens who took care of Lord Muruga. I got some clay lamps from Brickfields on Friday (actually, it was the wee hours of Saturday morning, on the way back to Puchong after picking up a friend at Puduraya). So, on Saturday, I beautifully decorated the alter with rose petals and had a satisfying prayer. Around 7.30pm, I lighted the lamps. I placed some on the wall just outside my apartment and the rest were placed on a tray and nicely displayed in the front. I wanted so much to put some lamps on the front balcony but the wind was so strong that I gave up after numerous attempts to keep the flame alive. Today brought back memories of how me and brother used to pester my mom to get more and more lamps each year. We used to light up more than 100 little lamps back then. Of course, my mom will have a tough time cleaning up the oil spills the day after.