Diwali is a festival of lights and colors but after so many years it has lost its charm. It may be a side-effect of growing old that the festival has dwindled down to just a holiday. All it means to me is to indulge in some family bonding. Decorating home and cooking/devouring ‘good’ food are the other things that I love about this festival. Since my mom has not been keeping well, it is for me to do everything from making Rangoli (though I suck at it) to lighting lamps, from welcoming guests to cooking festive food.
There was a time when I would be overjoyed with the thought of Diwali being around the corner. Back then, it would mean lights, sweets, and new clothes. It would also mean a break from studies. Fireworks, however, did never interest me. Although, I did try to develop an interest so as not be regarded as ‘weird’ but all in vain. I found it totally pointless because I took all the pain to go out of the house, light a cracker and before I could realize it, the show was over. Worst of all, it led to noise and air pollution which made it difficult for me to breath. When I returned home, my hands and feet were all dirty and it left me with a feeling ‘What a waste!’ The feeling still carries on.
I step out on to the balcony to light a candle and I'm impinged on by a deafening sound. I lean over and find out that entire area is littered with debris and the air is contaminated by the smoke from fireworks combustion. Why people don't understand that a few minutes of pyrotechnic entertainment is not worth polluting the environment?
Disappointed, I return to my room. The tranquility of my candle-lit scented room feels like heaven. Watching a movie with surround sound seems like the only way to refute this ubiquitous noise!!
While I struggle to get by, you have a peaceful Diwali!!
