Page 12 - Seniorstoday Nov 2024 Issue

First Person
Diwali –
Then, Now & Beyond
Diyas, Pooja, Mithai, Rangolis, Greeting Cards and celebrating with the
family… these are the many things that one associates with Diwali, writes
Vickram Sethi
Diwali, the festival of lights, embodies
much more than just the celebration of
light over darkness or good over evil. It
is the heartbeat of family traditions, a
period when generations come together
to rediscover bonds that might have
loosened with time. At its core, Diwali
seamlessly weaves the spiritual, social, and
celebratory into a kaleidoscope of customs
and emotions.
For many, it is also a time of
reconciliation—an annual reminder to set
aside differences. And in a masterstroke
of tradition, the festival places Goddess
Lakshmi at its centre, nudging even
the most disjointed of families to come
together in the hope of inviting wealth,
harmony, and prosperity into their homes.
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As I look back at my childhood memories
of Diwali, I cannot help but marvel at how
different things were—how intricately
every detail mattered and how even the
simplest act carried meaning.
Needless to say, there is no better family
time and nothing bonds a family together
like wealth and prosperity.
Preparations in Full Swing
As a child, I would visit my grandparents
home in Central India, preparations for
Diwali would start a month-and-a-half in
advance. The excitement was palpable,
and every member of the household had
a role to play. Clothes for the family were
sent to the tailor well in advance to ensure
everyone had something new to wear for