Page 15 - Seniorstoday Nov 2024 Issue

Rangoli designs—elaborate patterns made away from the festival’s simpler, more
from coloured powders—adorned the
doorstep. These weren’t just decorations;
they were acts of devotion, welcoming the
gods and good fortune into our homes.
While electric lights and LED candles
have gained popularity, nothing compares
to the charm of a flickering clay diya. Each
one tells a story of resilience, hope, and
tradition.
Modern Diwali – A Different Lens
Image courtesy; letsexpresso.com Snan) early in the morning. Breakfast
Over the years, Diwali has changed.
For many, it is now an opportunity
for extravagant parties, complete with
gourmet food, alcohol, and competitive
games of cards. In cities like Delhi, these
Diwali bashes have become status symbols,
showcasing wealth and opulence.
Consumerism has also crept in, with
Diwali sales dominating the festive
season. Shoppers flock to stores and online
platforms to buy everything from clothes
to electronics. While these sales add a
layer of excitement, they also reflect a shift
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #65 | NOVEMBER 2024
meaningful roots.
The Diwali festivities would start in right
earnest with the day of Dhanteras. People
believe it is a day to buy gold, silver or steel
utensils. Actually, Dhanteras is a tribute
to Rishi Dhanvantri, the father of the
Ayurveda. The next day was Kali Choudas,
we were not allowed to go out of the house
after dark for the fear of being harmed
by an evil spirit, which were supposed
to roam free that night. The evening was
spent in making little toys, book covers,
kites etc.
The next day would be Diwali and it was
mandatory to have a bath (Abhyanga
would consist of hot saffron milk, some
fresh samosas and halwa. By this time, the
Pandit would show up giving directions
lunch was a big event, some of was semi-
cooked a day earlier to be ready in time for
and making his presence felt. The Diwali
lunch. There would be a constant stream
of visitors and lots of laughter, fun and as
kids we would also have to go and visit
relatives. There was a proper protocol as
to where we would go first, second, third
etc. etc. We had to be home by 1.30pm,
with hot tandoori rotis eaten topped with
white makkhan plus a couple of vegetable
curries. Desert would be a Phirni in a large
terracotta vessel with silver and gold foil
on the surface. It was a house specialty.
After lunch, everybody snoozed off and,
in the evening, we would set up a shop. It
was called a hatti, that is a shop. We have
to bathe again, just before the Diwali Pooja,
we would open the shop and sell the stuff
that we have made or brought from the
Mela. It was a way for elders to interact
and give us money. At around 8pm, there
would be the Lakshmi Pooja, the pandit
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