Happy Diwali

Day 305 / 366

The meaning of Diwali for me has changed over the years. As a kid, Diwali was all about the fun and celebrations. Neither did I help out in house cleaning or decorations, nor did I made rangolis. The only thing I cared about was firecrackers. And I would start bursting them way before Diwali. The elders around me, people in their 20s would never burn firecrackers. Instead their time would be spent in helping out at their houses, meeting everyone and chatting, and helping us kids burn firecrackers

Now that I have grown up myself, I relate to those elders. Diwali is no longer just a festival to have fun. It’s a day where my whole family gets together. No matter where didi is and no matter where I am, we always find a way to get home on Diwali. Even if it is for one day. I look forward to the Pooja that we do together, and the 500 Rs. note that Dadi gives all of us after it. I look forward to dressing up and taking 100s of photos with my family.

More than anything, Diwali for me is a festival of happiness. I don’t want to hold any grudges today. I don’t want to think badly of anyone. It’s the day to forgive and forget. Let’s choose love over hate.