It is almost mid-October. Everytime, I step out of my cozy apartment into the hustling Bellevue downtown, my heart is filled with a sense of gratitude. I feel grateful to be able to flood my senses with nature’s most mesmerizing beauty – autumn. I feel overwhelmed to be able to witness the gorgeous multicolor panels of orange, red, yellow, and browns leaves. As they fall off the trees, it feels like they are rolling out a fluffy fall-colored carpet for me. The smell of strong pumpkin spice flavour and cinnamon fills the air with a sense of joy and festivities. And above all, it fills my heart with joy!
Gratitude, happiness, love, smile – they always make me feel fulfilled. They make me feel complete. As I stood in the long line waiting to get myself checked-in in the Water Lantern Festival, I had no idea that it would be one of the most magical, and divine experiences of my life. Usually, during this time of the year, Seattle is covered with gray skies, accompanied by incessant drizzles forcing everyone to carry umbrellas, wear trench coats, and tall rain boots. But, that Saturday was a bright and sunny afternoon, with big white clouds that resembled huge puffs of cotton. I could feel the cold wind breeze kissing my face as I stood in the long line peoplegazing. I saw a young couple walking by. It was cute to see the woman trying to keep her hands warm by putting them inside her man’s coat pocket as he pulled her closer towards him; dads throwing their children up in the air as they watched them giggle and laugh; some people were trying to pull down their sleeves to stay warm; and some complained of the long line that moved at a very slow pace! Somehow, we all made it through with our lantern decoration items (that included the lantern, a colored pen, a LED candle, and the lantern assembly instructions) carefully packed in a Water Lantern Festival labelled sleek plastic backpack that they gave us at the check-in gate.
As I entered into the venue area, I was surprised to see that people had brought their own blankets, foldable chairs, food items (which they probably got from the varieties of food trucks stalled outside the check-in area). But, what really struck my eye was the dedication put into decorating their lanterns. Each one of them irrespective of their age, sex, sexual preferences, occupation, physical conditions – they all were engrossed in decorating their lanterns. Some of them definitely unleashed the artist within. For a moment, I felt embarrassed because I knew that I was not an artist. Somehow, that shame was overcome with a feeling of calmness, and I embraced the beautiful moment of just being there. I realized that I was there to share my feelings with the world the way “I” felt comfortable with. I finally found myself a spot on the lush green grass covered with patches of fall-colored leaves from the huge maple trees surrounding the area like multi colored pillars. A thin concrete running trail separated me from the gorgeous Green Lake. The lake was peaceful and statue still. I could see the sunset streaking the sky with crimson and blue as I watched the seagulls hovering over the area. It was almost time for the lantern launching. There was twenty more minutes left for me to finish decorating my lantern. I looked around at everyone else’s lantern. Everyone had done an awesome job in decorating their lantern. I had no idea what to write or draw. As I looked around, I saw people carrying lanterns with messages such as “I Love Tacos” (with beautiful pictures of loaded tacos), ” You live once” (with beautiful pictures of kids playing in garden”. Some of the lanterns had pictures of faces carefully drawn over them. I was impressed. I was nervous at the same time. I could see people going on to the stage and proudly talking about the messages written on their lanterns. They spoke about being brave, never giving up, staying strong, their addiction stories, how they got out of bad marriages, single parenting, and many more! It definitely takes a lot of courage to do that. The place was filled with applauds. But, I was running out of time. My lantern had nothing written over it.
I sat there with my eyes closed. For a moment, I forgot that I was in the midst of a crowd. I was focussed on myself, only myself. As I closed my eyes, I could see flashes of the magnificent, rich fall colors – red, yellow, orange, and browns. I could feel the strong smell of the warm pumpkin spiced latte that always brings a big smile on my face. It flooded me with sensations of gratitude, happiness, smiles, laughter, giggles, love, and belief. I could feel serenity, and fulfillment sinking in. I felt blessed for everything in my life. As I slowly opened my eyes, I had this peaceful yet euphoric sensation running through my spine. I knew what to write on my lantern! I did not have to be Picasso to express my feelings. I had to be “me” to express my feelings. My lantern reflected simplicity, yet it was unique. I placed a halo made from glow sticks around my lantern. I was proud about that idea! Above all, it reflected the real me – “unique”.
I felt a sense of accomplishment after decorating my lantern. I was no more trying to stare at others lantern in awe. I was satisfied. As I was finishing decorating my lantern, they aired the song “Hallelujah” that filled the place with waves of multiple emotions – sadness, happiness, remembrance, calmness, and above all a sense of unity and togetherness. We all had finally understood the purpose of the Water Lantern Festival – each of us were different, yet unique; strangers, yet a family; and most importantly – we all were diverse, yet united!
As the sun finally set covering the skies with a navy blue blanket, we all slowly walked towards the lake to bid goodbyes to our lanterns, and spread our messages together. I could see all the dim golden light emitting from the LED candles from within the intricately decorated lanterns. It was like everyone igniting their light from within.
As I let my lantern float away, I watched it slowly paved its way among the lanterns. I immediately made place for others, and climbed onto the staircase right behind the lake shoreline. I stood there still as I watched my lantern float away (I could identify it from the glow stick halo. Looks like mine was the only one with a halo!). It was the most magical, fulfilling, and divine experience. As I saw all the lantern emitting their glow, it made me reminisce my childhood memories of “Bali Yatra” – a festival of good luck, hope, prosperity, and love where we used to float well decorated small sail boats by placing a “deepa” (small oil lamp) in the boat. After all, the core purpose is the same – togetherness.
As I walked back to the parking lot, I could feel my heart sinking in. I looked above at the twinkling stars, the smiling moon, and said, “Thank you for everything” with the strong believe that there is someone out there watching me- the omnipresent unseen force that we all know of as God! I felt blessed that I was alive. I was grateful like never before! There was a tranquil feeling within my heart!
