Page 14 - Seniorstoday Nov 2024 Issue
P. 14
Diwali greeting cards hold a special place
in my heart. My parents encouraged me
to make handmade cards for relatives, but
we also purchased beautifully illustrated
cards from the market. Writing heartfelt
notes, carefully addressing envelopes, and
posting them at the neighbourhood post
office was a ritual in itself.
Some cards bore images of gods, which
created an unspoken dilemma when
Town squares or large fields transformed it came time to dispose of them. These
into bustling markets where artisans weren’t simply thrown away; instead,
displayed their handcrafted wares—rugs, they were respectfully immersed in water,
lanterns, toys, and intricate torans (door ensuring no inadvertent disrespect.
hangings). The allure of these markets – Sadly, this tradition has vanished. Today,
many subsidised by the local government WhatsApp forwards and Instagram stories
- wasn’t just in the shopping but in the have replaced handwritten cards. While
atmosphere: the smell of street food these digital greetings are efficient, they
wafting through the air, children squealing lack the warmth and effort of the cards we
with delight on makeshift Ferris wheels, once cherished. Some messages are indeed
and cultural performances bringing creative, cute and funny, but often they
communities together. appear mechanical and impersonal. What
One of my fondest memories is of buying goes around, comes around and it’s usually
clay diyas shaped like little works of art, a jaded WhatsApp message.
each ready to be lit and placed around
the house. These melas brought the spirit Lighting Diyas and Drawing Rangoli
of Diwali alive, reminding everyone of
the beauty of simplicity and the joy of
togetherness.
In Mumbai city, there use to be a
Dussehra Mela at August Kranti Maidan,
which no longer exists.
Greeting Cards and Personal Touches
One Diwali custom that has stood the test
of time is the lighting of diyas. Their soft
glow creates an atmosphere of serenity and
hope, symbolising the victory of light over
darkness. In our home, the arrangement of
diyas was a carefully planned affair, with
each member contributing to the process.
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