Diwali Memories

My memories of Diwali while growing up are almost perfect. The house was decorated with many small diya’s and other illuminating decorations. Bursting crackers, wearing new clothes, visiting friends and relatives, eating delicious food, and offering thanks to the Almighty, all of these makeup for a wonderful festival mood.

My mother would be in the kitchen cooking all of the food for our delicious meal that lay ahead and the sweets that lasted long after diwali was over. She would tell me the story of the demon Narakasura, whose death signifies light overcoming darkness for south Indians. Even as the demon was being finished off by Lord Krishna, he had a moment of enlightenment, repented his sins, and asked the dark_ skinned god for a boon — that everyone should celebrate this day with light. Because he had repented, the day became analogous with the spirit of regeneration, of washing away your sins and sorrows and starting afresh. Then at the end of an exhausting day of praying, visiting, and playing, we would head up to the terrace and watch in silence as the thousands of rockets shoot up in myriad colours across the skyline filled with smoke and colours.

Over the years we have celebrated our Diwali in many different places and we have made many more memories. But some things still remain the same, the new clothes, mother’s cooking, visiting friends and relatives, and the joy of bursting crackers and seeing the glorious fireworks. Diwali will always be associated with joy for me.