The Festival of Loved Ones
I remember a dialogue of Rachel Green from the series “FRIENDS”. When she saw her parents bitching about each other to her after their divorce, she recalled 4 th of July – of how the entire family would go out in the sea & argue & fight all through; but when the fireworks started, they would just shut up & enjoy the show, snuggling into one cozy blanket on the windy boat. This resonated so strongly with me & my feelings about Diwali. I adore most of the Indian festivals – the traditions, the celebrations, the pomp & fervor. But Diwali? It is something special. It wasn’t until I started living away for work & couldn’t be home to enjoy the festivities that I realized just how special it was. It is not just about the sweets & diyas & rangoli. It is about that family time, the company of loved ones, the joy in the air & the entire vibe. No matter how much you disagree or fight with your family the other times, Diwali becomes the time to push al...