Diwali is to India what Christmas is to the West. This king of festivals in India is keenly awaited all through the year and is celebrated with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm across the country. What does this festival really mean to us? Is it celebrated differently now than before? Here is what some of the residents have told us.
Memories come flooding back to me when I think of Diwali of our childhood days. Happy parents obliging us with plates full of sweets and savouries, buying crackers with siblings and cousins, all of us getting together for celebrations in our home’s courtyard.
Every year my father sent his Puja to the local temple and organised a bhandara. Mama was resplendent in her banarasi saree and jewelry, entertaining guests and relatives alike.
Even though those days will never come back, we still celebrated the festival as per our family tradition; family members join for a Diwali lunch prepared by my wife at our home which is decorated with rangoli, flowers and diyas – Sanjeev Talwar
For me, Deepavali is symbolized by faith. faith in goodness, light, tradition, and renewal. Many people yearn for the blessings of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. This belief gives me encouragement and hope. I celebrated Diwali simply this year since, at its core, it’s a celebration of family and traditions. – Samaira Lamba
The age old clay diyas have been replaced by electric diyas and candles with fairy lights. Bursting of crackers has become less popular as today’s generation has become more aware of the harm that fire crackers cause. – SC Badhwar
This Diwali, we embraced tradition with vibrant rangoli and glowing diyas, illuminating our home. We engaged in Laxmi puja and exchanged sweets and shared laughter with our friends and family, creating a joyous atmosphere. We dressed in ethnic attire, and our entire family united to prepare the festive feasts. This Diwali we forged memories filled with love and togetherness.- Diya Soni
