DIL TO BACHHA HAI JI...................

Once upon a time  I would start preparing for Diwali a month in advance. No, I’d not be helping my mother with the cleaning or discuss about gifts for our relatives.

Almost a month before Diwali, I’d plan my new dress for the day, figure out rangoli patterns for each day, pester my parents to take me shopping for lights and lanterns, buy heaps of crackers on the way home, insist on buying the most beautiful candles and do everything that was suppose to be done to make this festival what it’s meant to be – a festival of lights!

In fact, pre-Diwali was one of those rare occasions when my mother actually encouraged my hyper-active nature; because in my excitement I’d do half the work myself! I wouldn’t be half as enthusiastic to celebrate my birthday. After all, isn’t Diwali the festival that brings together friends and family?

we had this huge red tub, which would be brought out of the storeroom only during this festival. we’d store our crackers in it and protect it with  life &always ensured that it was equally divided between all siblings n spend hours over it. My crackers were so precious to me during Diwali! I hated it when my old relatives would frown and say – ‘Don’t you see what a waste of money these are? You are practically burning money!’ Being as small as I was, I’d just scowl back and walk away!.when was the last time when we all gathered together for"lakshmi puja" &were more interested in crackers burning outside

However, something changed over the years. I failed to celebrate Diwali, in the manner that I always did, just before appearing for my tenth board exams. Because the main focus was on studies, I actually felt that this festival had taken a backseat in my life for the very first time. So after criticizing our government for the bad timing of exams, I decided that the coming years would be better!

Did it get any better? Well may be the year after was not so bad, but then came the HSC exams, and once again Diwali celebrations did not happen. There on, with every successive year I realised Diwali was never the same!

What changed? Had I grown up? But why had the world grown up along with me? Why was it that with every passing year, people did not bother to bring out their lights or family get-togethers became less important than business deals? Are we all running way too fast to enjoy the festive spirit of India?

When was the last time you bothered to wake up early and change the rangoli design? Or took the time to clear your wardrobe and offer your old clothes to the needy? Or like everyone else, did you decide to use this day as another ‘bank holiday,’ choosing to stay at home to relax after your hectic work schedule? It’s easy to see that this festival of lights grows dimmer each year!

It seems like Diwali is a festival only for kids. After all they’re the only ones spending hours with the fuljhadis, parachutes and other crackers. Who ever knew growing up would be so boring?

So this year, like before, I decided to become a kid again and spend hours decorating my home with lights and colours, to make a plan and step out of home to meet relatives and indulge in sweets and delicacies. ­­­After all it is worth becoming a child again to enjoy the festive spirit of Diwali!
Time never comes back,so go ahead enjoy every festival,every moment................SEHAR