I don’t know how I feel about Diwali. I love it, look forward I for the whole year, but I loathe the work it comes with. I often find myself wishing for Diwali to be fast-sped and over, once it begins.
It’s one of the only times the whole family comes into my backyard, I get to spend time with each of these little people I love so much, all at once. Away from the fast paced lives, we all meet and enjoy each other’s company.
But, for me, the preparations of Diwali start almost a week before. I, out of habit, partake in a spring cleaning of the absurdly-huge house. Every nook and crevice, hidden cupboard is opened, its contents spilled and neatly arranged again. I kid you not when I say that there are certain items that I had not touched since I had cleaned that cupboard last Diwali, but I just can’t bring myself to part with them. This process is time-consuming, tiring and not very rewarding- it just makes me cranky and more likely to lash out at everyone.
Then I have to make preparations to host all of these ‘lovely’ family members. Even though we live in this old, border-line mansion, we only ever use a third of the space. (We are an old couple; we are doing the best we can. Don’t judge.) The rest of the house has to be opened, and made live-able. Don’t get me wrong, I love my children with all my heart, but making all these arrangements for them to occupy it for only a weekend can seem a bit futile.
Then the aspiring chef in me, mixed with a sprinkle of motherly love, sets to work to cook hordes of meals and sweets I think everyone would like. I make everything in excess to avoid the chances of having people not getting enough servings. Even though no one asks me to make these delicacies and they shower me up with praise after eating them. Anyways, all my grandchildren are far thinner than what I would like them to be, and a few bouts of tasty calories should do them good. In hindsight, I have noticed that as these ‘teenagers’ are growing up, their appetites are diminishing. They are getting more ’health conscious’, pfft that’s bullcrap. I will feed them well, don’t they worry.
You know how you pine for your family to come, but on their arrival the constant bickering, gossiping and demands make you wish for a little quiet? That’s what I feel during Diwali. Having them around is great. There is constant hustle-bustle, but there is no time to rest. I’m constantly spinning like a top in my quest to appease everyone.
When we were younger, Diwali was just a time of unlimited fun and now also I get glimpses of those times on my grandchildren's faces.
The whole atmosphere of Diwali is electric- The fairy lights, fireworks (or lack of), sweets, beautiful dresses and puja. It is one of the times that everyone, without debate, sits in serenity to pray (or pretend to). Making Rangolis excites the child in me once again- getting to scribble on floor is great.
Seeing the neighbourhood I have lived in for half my life adorned in Diwali lights is a surreal experience. We all get together, bake sweets, exchange wishes and watch as our kids or grandkids rush in and out. It’s like everyone is on a vacation together, there is no stress, no routine-work, a break from dull everyday life.
Even with every nuance of the festival I may not like, I still look forward for it to happen again next year.
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