This festival is a coming-together of communities, beliefs and practices - a melting pot of sorts that has no defined rules and regulations except to celebrate life, peace and success over all that is evil. It is the real flavor of India and the country transforms into a space filled with lights, laughter, victory and vibrancy. Diyas are lit, colorful designs - aka rangoli - adorn homes, decorative lights are hung around windows and doors, gifts and food galore! Crackers, are burst and while this has increasingly added to the
noise and pollution, lot of communities - small and large - have chosen to ban such form of festivity. Many may argue that the true essence of Diwali has been lost amidst such aesthetic forms of celebration but honestly, no one would have a real answer to that. Some seek solace by praying, some prefer to stay indoors; others travel, many indulge in festive rituals. A mix of such cultures thus add diversity and exclusivity to this festival. My experience during this time has been no different, yet having moved to the US three Diwalis ago, that charm and anticipation has not been the same. Nonetheless, I see a common thread cutting through the two countries during such festive occasions and it is evident that Diwali is indeed a unique combination of July 4th (firecrackers), Thanksgiving (continual feast) and Christmas (gifts, celebration of life and a perfect holiday)! So, no matter what faith or belief you come from, I would say, indulge in this assortment of harmony, show humility to those less fortunate, reach out to those in need, light sparklers and cherish in the moments with hope for more to come. Want to know the significance of Diwali? Wiki-Diwali to you!
And if that weren't enough, here is more (long) celebration the POTUS style -
