Diwali in India was never just a festival — it was a family affair, a celebration that touched every corner of our lives. The house buzzing with cousins running around, moms juggling a dozen things at once in the kitchen, dads rushing to buy last-minute diyas, and everywhere the scent of fresh sweets and marigolds. Every detail, no matter how small — from perfectly lined diyas to the new bedsheets — was handled with care and love by our parents.
Abroad, we try to recreate it all. We decorate our homes, light diyas (careful of the smoke alarms!), and make laddoos and namakparas that come close to mom’s—but there’s always something just a little different. Our children enjoy the lights, sweets, and gifts, yet they miss the magic we felt as kids — the anticipation that started weeks before, the little surprises, the togetherness that came effortlessly.
And yet, in trying to bring Diwali to life far from home, we are passing down something just as precious: the love, the effort, and the memories we create together. It may not be exactly like our childhood, but it will always be theirs in its own beautiful way.
Diwali is the time to remove darkness and welcome the light of new beginnings.
Wishing one and all a very Happy and Sparkling Diwali 🪔
Blessmesai 