Different Diwali

As we gear up for the upcoming festival, there’s a feeling that something is missing this time for the past few days.

Since my childhood Diwali has been associated with family trips to different states or get-togethers with cousins and family. My father being in public sector we used to plan for holidays much in advance and had wonderful vacations exploring India right from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. My mother used to pack all savories to be munched along during this long trip. This was a time when we got to learn about different cultures, cuisines and how people across celebrate this festival of lights. Diwali Darshan at Somnath temple, morning walk at Vivekanandpuram, Kanyakumari, Visit to Ajmer Shariff Dargah have created lifelong impact. We got to know many new things too. For instance, we were really excited to be in Ahmedabad during one of the Diwalis. Textile industry is so famous and we were looking forward to indulge in lots of shopping but felt equally disappointed to know markets are closed for five days post Diwali day till labhpancham.

If not exploring new cities we used to have family get-togethers where we all cousins had a blast always. Making small forts, rangolis, enjoying savories prepared by mummy and aunties together, playing games, bursting crackers, telling stories and so on. It was a quality time spent with cousins and families creating treasure of life long memories. Till Date reminiscences of those days bring a smile and feeling of warmth.

Continuing this trend post marriage, I have always tried to plan family trip during Diwali vacation. Weather is pleasant all over India and festivities add a different colour. Morning Darshan of Shreenathji at Nathdwara temple will always be special. So is the boating at Periyar lake or visit to Mysore Palace. What is more special is the spirit of people to enjoy this festival. We saw people at Jodhpur and people at Munnar equally enthusiastic to burst crackers and put up Rangoli. Markets are flowing with different colours and textures and its experience to indulge in shopping at various locations. Cuisines, traditions may vary but across the country the spirit of joy and celebration is same.

This year is one of those rare times we are at home during Diwali. Neither with parents nor with siblings. All cleaning and special cooking is to be handled. Most of the crackers are banned and risk of going to markets for shopping still exist. When my kid asked today whether this Diwali is different, I wondered does this pandemic really has the power to dampen spirit of Diwali?? . No way.

Celebration is something we need to be happy about. It is not related to any place or event. We need to create reasons for being happy. Small-small activities like preparing sweets or namkeen, putting up rangolis, organising home, preparing lanterns can be therapeutic. For last 7-8 months most of us have been doing double duty managing home with office. I guess now is the time to relax a little bit, enjoy the day with family and indulging in some fun activities.

Diwali is about removing sadness from lives. We can definitely try to bring a smile on the face of people around. Small gestures, appreciating efforts of people who have been toiling hard for making our lives easy during this tough time like milkman, security personnel, delivery boys through small tokens can create a positive impact. This is time to catchup with friends and family if not in person at least on video calls. Expressing gratitude to all people around, spreading Love and Positivity, indulging in creative activities, cooking and enjoying different delicacies, praying for well-being of all, staying safe can definitely make this different Diwali Yaadgar too. Life is a celebration every day, we just need to create small ways!!