Diwali is the festival of lights. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the homecoming of the triumphant Lord Ram after 14 years in exile. As evil is warded off, there becomes more room for light in life. So, it is also the day we hold prayers to invite Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesh into our homes. They are the gods of wealth, prosperity, intellect and wisdom. Culturally, this translates to celebrating new beginnings and reviving old ties with friends and family.
Diwali prep always began a couple of weeks in advance with a thorough cleaning of our home—picture spring cleaning on steroids. When my sister and I were little, this was also the time when mom would find all the things we’d broken and hidden away in dark corners 😀 Once the house was spotless, we’d string up fairy lights at the entrance and balcony of our 8th floor apartment. It is an incredible sight to see every balcony glimmering in multi-colored lights as far as the eye can see. The fun part, of course, was when we went shopping for new clothes, decorations and presents. We’d know Diwali was close because boxes of sweets, chocolates, dried fruits sent as tokens of well wishes by family friends would start arriving in droves. The week before Diwali was spent visiting with friends, eating the most decadent dishes and trying our hand at various card games.
Diwali day was usually spent with close family, decorating all day and eating all night. The morning always started with running over to the flower shop to get fresh flowers. We’d draw rangolis at the entrance of the home and set out a few hundred dias or tea lights all around the house. A rangoli is an art form where patterns are drawn on the floor with colored powder, paint and flowers. As the sun started to set, we’d get decked up in our traditional garb and my grandma would hold a small prayer for Laxmi and Ganesh. Then, we’d walk around the house lighting all the dias (tee lights) and putting out sweets and snacks for company. My memories of the rest of the evening are just of rapturous conversation against a sky lit up with fireworks.
I moved to the States back in 2005 and while I’m lucky enough to go home every year, it is seldom for Diwali. But, I’ve managed to continue celebrating Diwali in one way or another with Indian communities wherever I happen to be. For those who are trying to imagine what the festival is like, picture the feeling of Thanksgiving and Christmas wrapped in the colors of spring and fall.
Deckers Careers 