Diwali, the festival of lights, is a storehouse of lovely memories from my childhood which I told to my children and now tell to my grandchildren.
I remember the way the house was decorated, great food, sweets, gifts and endless fun with family and friends. I grew up in Queenstown, and in those days Diwali had so much to offer. I often reminisce about the joyous Diwali celebrations of yesteryear.
As children, we knew weeks ahead that Diwali was approaching, as my parents discussed new clothes, sweets, gifts and the exchanging of packages. We waited impatiently for the day to arrive and eagerly counted all the packages and gifts that arrived at home.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a storehouse of lovely memories from my childhood which I told to my children and now tell to my grandchildren.
I remember the way the house was decorated, great food, sweets, gifts and endless fun with family and friends. I grew up in Queenstown, and in those days Diwali had so much to offer. I often reminisce about the joyous Diwali celebrations of yesteryear.
As children, we knew weeks ahead that Diwali was approaching, as my parents discussed new clothes, sweets, gifts and the exchanging of packages. We waited impatiently for the day to arrive and eagerly counted all the packages and gifts that arrived at home.
Preparations started a month before with a thorough spring-cleaning. As children, we always tried to avoid helping with this task, but my mother’s reply was simple: “Ram, Laksman and Sita are returning from the forest after 14 years of exile and we have to welcome them into a clean home”.
My eldest sister, Lalita, always had first choice with everything and, as siblings, we could never understand why we came second. As the years went by, many things became clearer – especially the importance of respect for elders at home and around us.
I distinctly remember the mischief I used to get up to, trying to open parcels before it was time with my sisters, Hansa and Tara. A good scolding or punishment was sure to follow and we often bribed Lalita to cover up for us by helping her with the domestic chores.
The excitement reached fever pitch on Diwali day when everyone rose bright and early, dressed in new clothes and gathered for morning prayers (pooja) to Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Receiving the blessing from our beloved parents, by bowing down to them in a traditional eastern fashion, formed an integral part of our lives.
Gifts were exchanged and what fun it was to open all the packages, containing assortments of sweets and savouries in beautifully decorated boxes that had arrived from family and friends far from home. It was never-ending fun and joy.
The lighting of the clay lamp, which expresses happiness, dominated the evening part of the celebration. The lighting of the clay lamp is a way to pay respect to God for health, knowledge, harmony, mental peace and victory of truth over evil. Diwali was not over until we all participated in the mini fireworks display.
Nowadays people make fashion statements. Homemade sweets are no longer made, but are bought in exquisite platters. No expense is spared to ensure one has the best fireworks display in the neighbourhood. But for me, although I have moved on with the changing times, my Diwali remains in making my mother’s traditional sweetmeats, the recipe for which I am now passing onto my daughter Joshila and daughter-in-law Tishia.
Diwali has changed over the years. We have become so preoccupied with our professions that many of us have forgotten the value and true meaning of the festival of lights. As the years pass by, I cherish the values of Diwali, which have become stronger and more precious to me.
Diwali is still so dear, and it is only the situations that have changed – children and some family members are far away and we are all engrossed in our busy daily lives. We do, however, still try to ensure that some time is spent remembering those wonderful moments which add light to our darkened lives.
Diwali has a special meaning to all Hindus. Although we celebrate it in many different ways, there is one thing in common for all those who celebrate this festival – the memories that we always cherish in our hearts and the ceremonial lamp that marks our participation in this wonderful festivity.
Colourful electric lights, email messages, decorated candle lamps, SMSes, commercialisation of the festival items and much, much more forms part of the festival. But to me, my special Diwali remains the smell of delicious Diwali treats baking in the oven, traditional earthenware lamps and the mini fireworks.
I look forward to spending another memorable Diwali and New Year with family and friends tomorrow and the next day.
