Diwali

It’s the most awaited time of the year and the most favorite festival of all Hindus. Millions of homes shine with tiny diyas. Everybody is trying to celebrate Diwali in his/her own special way.
The time reminds me of my childhood. Diwali was greatest fun as a child.

Every year, my mom used to apply scented oil and “utna” and do massage for me and my brother in the morning before having a bath. That massage was enticing enough to get up at 4.00 AM for it. We used to light diyas in early morning, have the auspicious “mangal snan” or “pahili anghol” and run to race against others for bursting the first fire cracker. After finishing the early morning fire cracker quota me and my brother used to go to the temple. What followed next is the morning “diwali faral” feast. Chivda, ladu, karanji, chakli, shankarpale, chirote…the list doesn’t end. After a tummy full breakfast it was time to play. Afternoon lunch specialties included shrikhand puri or basundi or sheera. After lunch was the time for rangoli session. Almost every house in Bombay has a small little colorful depiction of the festival outside its main door. Making the most beautiful rangoli in the apartment building was no doubt the toughest competition! Whether or not you win, these colorful little patches color not only your hands while making them, but color your mind, your spirit in the diwali colors. Colors of joy and celebration. Laxmi pujan is another big event that involves worshipping money and the wealth goddess “Laxmi” so that she forgives our slipups and blesses us with wealth and happiness. With “Padwa” for married couples and “Bhau bij” for brothers and sisters, Diwali gives a reason to strengthen your bond with all your relations. Strengthen your bond with happiness and with the light of life!

Waiting for you…Diwali....