It was a dull, moonless night when Lord Ram, the ousted ruler of Ayodhya returned home along with his better half, Sita after 14 years of banishment and a resounding victory over the evil king, Raavan.
To celebrate the homecoming of their lord, his kingdom lit his way with oil lamps. It signifies triumph of good over evil, harmony over cacophony, light over dusk. Hence, started the custom of lighting up homes with oil lamps or diyas, and hence started the celebration of light, Diwali or Deepavali (Row of Lights).
One week to Diwali and we cannot contain our excitement. Religious stories are okay, but these have got nothing to do with our love and frenzy for Diwali. I am sure all of you will agree to this.
Firstly, I would like to jot down, point-wise the reasons for our unending love for Diwali.
- Light & Sound, as I say, the diyas, candles, rice lights, etc and the much hearted crackers.
- It’s all about the family reunions.
- From gifts to dresses, to food, to jewellery, to home décor, plethora of money spent, without any shade of worry or remorse.
- Since childhood, ghar ki safaai has been a must before the Diwali. It’s one time of the year that we actually don’t get irritated to do it.
- Food, enough said!
- That time of the year when all our in-born desi-ness gets a real look. Yes, we dress up and flaunt.
- Welcome the winters!
- Last but not the least, Homecoming.
Living in India, something like celebrating festivals in foreign lands, seems illogical and bizarre because a festival is not just a festival to us, it’s an emotion. Since childhood, we have been reading and writing, Diwali is the festival of lights. But, is Diwali only about lights? This is not merely a festival, Diwali has always been the time for reunion, the break from monotonous life, the flashback of childhood memories, the joy of celebration, the feel of family, the temptation of tasty food and the emotional touch.
So we, the ones who stay out of our country, know what Homecoming actually means. Yes, we spend Diwali far away from our homeland. We pray, we decorate our houses, we dress up, we get together with our friends and families here, we party, we arrange for pot-luck dinners and we celebrate Diwali in our home away from home.
With great zeal and enthusiasm we welcome Diwali, celebrate it to our hearts’ content and head back to our lives with glowing faces, refreshed minds, satisfied hearts and a year-long wait.
Wish all of you a very Happy and Glittering Diwali in advance from all of us at IndyVogue. Till then laugh, shop, eat, pray and party!
