Deepawali, the festival of lights!
Feel Good.
I have loved this festival since my childhood. Just like Christians have Christmas and Muslims have Eid. There is no dearth of festivals in India.
It would be strange for any outsider that festivals are celebrated here almost every day. This is what I like about this place. The mood cannot be spoiled for a long time.
When I was young, I would often say to my sister two months before this festival, “The fragrance of Deepawali is coming.”
Before the festival, its preparations would start in full swing. For example, I am telling you what is happening around me these days.
Those who feel their houses look too old are getting painted. Every house is being cleaned more than before. Useless old stuff is being thrown out. Because of this, 8–10 junk dealers visit us from morning to evening in a day. Slowly, new things of need is coming to the houses. Shopping is in full swing in the markets. Children have started bursting crackers one by one a month in advance. The sound of which dispels sadness. The streets are more bustling than before.
Get Rashmi’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
These days, your mood cannot remain bad for long. That is why festivals happen. They bring new light and hope every year.
At the same time, some bad accidents also happen these days. Like someone in our neighbourhood has passed away. Today it was reported in the newspaper that 5–6 children in the same house met with an accident together. Some accidents leave very deep wounds. If it happens around festivals, then even happiness seems colourless.
I like one more thing about festivals. Because people of every religion live in India. Exactly in our neighbourhood, there are 4 Muslim families. Earlier I did not go to their house. But 3 years ago my parents told me that every Diwali grandfather used to visit these houses to give them sweets and their families were also invited to their homes on special days. After this, I also started going there with my family and it is really a beautiful feeling.
I have heard people say that now festivals are not the same. It is true and we all are responsible for this. Now instead of going to each other’s house to give greetings, we sit at home and remain busy with our phones. Instead of making cards with our own hands and distributing them, we WhatsApp. Instead of going shopping, we order from home. Instead of doing household chores, we put servants on duty and we remain on the phone 24 hours a day. Even after all this, we do not have time for our work.
A lot has changed. But in this change, the change in closeness is the only thing that I did not like.
Festivals are coming regularly, so the problem is not in the festivals but in us. All this is a part of our life. Festivals have not forbidden you from enjoying. Festivals come to celebrate them by ignoring all the questions like why, what, how.
Instead of thinking about what was and what has happened, just think about celebrating the festival. Celebrate it with an open heart. If there is happiness, then celebrate it, otherwise, we always have to cry about sorrows.
#Wish you all very very Happy Deepawali.
