N J Ravi Chander
Deepavali, the festival of lights, is a time of boundless enthusiasm and joy that unites people across India. The season is marked by a flurry of activity, with many, regardless of age, caste or wealth, investing their time and resources in shopping for clothes, crackers, and confectioneries.
Back then, we ushered in the festival by sprucing up the house. We cleared the cobwebs, cleaned and whitewashed the house, and rearranged the household items.
The buntings of fresh mango leaves festooned at the house's entrance and in the pooja room’s doorway made the house sparkle. The festival is not just about cleaning and decorating the home but also about spiritual purification and the victory of good over evil, a symbol of hope and positivity that resonates with us all.
The prevailing mindset during the season made everyone feel light-hearted and in high spirits. There was excitement and bonhomie. We made homemade treats, delighting our guests and neighbours to express our love and respect. We established a spirit of camaraderie by letting go of past wrongs and conflicts. People from different communities rallied to celebrate the festival, creating a heart-warming atmosphere of joy and warmth.
Deepavali brings back nostalgic memories for me. Even though my mother's birthday falls on October 21, we celebrated it on Deepavali to align with the festive occasion.
Our conviction that she was born on Deepavali day remained steadfast despite the festival's changing date each year, adding a unique charm to our celebration. It's fascinating that we commemorated her birthday on Deepavali for much of her married life.
Unfortunately, my siblings and I were ignorant of her precise date of birth, and we only realised this after she shed her mortal coils. Deepavali was never the same after her passing, as she had the knack of rustling delectable treats.
The celebration of Deepavali has always been a unifying force. During special occasions, my maternal grandparents gifted us new clothes.
Once, our grandpa returned home from Diwali shopping but found, to his horror, that the bag holding the clothes had split its contents. The worried grandfather returned to the store, hoping someone had found and turned in the lost items, but without luck.
Even though the incident exasperated our grandparents, their undeniable love for us tiny tots prevailed. On Deepavali day, we had our new clothes and were dressed in our festive best.
The incident, with its mix of disappointment and eventual joy, was the talk of the family for a long time, a testament to the emotional rollercoaster often part of our festival celebrations.
During Diwali, people celebrate the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and embrace the spirit of giving. Many of us limit our acts of generosity to our loved ones and feel a sense of self-satisfaction.
My perspective of giving changed when I witnessed a bank colleague donating to an orphanage on Diwali day, a tradition he followed every year. His consistent and selfless act on a day of celebration left a lasting impression on me.
While we celebrate, let's also spare a thought for our animal friends. Terrified by the explosive crackers, they search for shelter to hide. Celebrating Deepavali without noise can be a gift for them. There's no better occasion than a festival to show your thoughtfulness and make a meaningful impact.