Culture Makes Us Human and Tradition Makes Us Family

Diwali just went by and this feels like a good time to talk about what this festival means.

Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash

India is a country of fables and traditions. Folklores are an enormous part of our culture. Each one is more intriguing than the last. It is also a country of 1.3B people but that’s not what I am discussing today.

The origin of Diwali is an extraordinary story in itself. It all begins in Hindu scripture called Ramayan.

Ramayan is an ancient Sanskrit epic about prince Ram’s life in the forest and his journey to rescue his beloved wife Sita from the clutches of king of Lanka called Ravan.

Ramayan portrays the battle of Lanka between armies of Ram and Ravan, which ends in King Ravan’s defeat. Sita then returns to her husband. The day when Ravan was defeated is celebrated as Dussehra. After the battle, Ram and Sita return to their palace in Ayodhya victorious. Their arrival was celebrated with lanterns and colours, now called Diwali — Festival of Lights.

Hope instilling stories like such give meaning to our culture. It is calming to know that no matter what your hardships maybe, in the end, good defeats evil and light wins over darkness.

Getting ready for Diwali — 101.

1. Diwali cleaning — How to do it? Thoroughly. Googling Diwali cleaning will list out multiple guides to help through cleaning our home and all belongings. But is that enough? No! Cleaning of mind and soul is as necessary. Some of the rules apply to both literal and figurative cleaning.
   a. If you haven’t used it for 3 months, you don’t need it. Thoughts or bags.
   b. Clean the almirahs which haven’t been opened for a while. Clothes or emotions set aside need to be reconsidered to prevent clutter.
   c. Pay attention where needed. Mend what needs mending. As the wise say that “a stitch in time saves nine”.
2. Sweets and all things delicious — The tradition of preparing sweets then distributing it is the most felicitous of the customs. Even if you don’t catch-up all year, during the Diwali season (yes there is a whole season dedicated to Diwali) it is customary to visit family and friends to exchange gifts and sweets. The festival remains incomplete without it. Everyone visiting the season is served with sweets and other delicious dishes.
3. Lights — Lanterns, LED lights, oil lamps, candles (scented/floating), sky lanterns, all of it. Everything bright is a major part of the celebration. From marketplace to homes and shared spaces to offices, everything place is decorated with lights. The goal is to brighten up every space possible in the spirit of Lord Ram’s victory. This is my fav of the traditions.
4. Ethnic attire — Get your bling on. When everything around is bedazzled, it is important to keep up! The celebration begins when your dress is as bright as your mood. Social media awaits #Diwali posts!
5. Photography — With so many beautiful rangolis and lighting arrangements all around, it is time for your inner photographer to capture it all.
6. Rangoli — The tradition of creating the prettiest of coloured patterns on the entrance of the house and decorating it with diyas on Diwali evening. Takes hrs of planning to select just the right pattern, getting the best colours and finally the whole family pitches in to complete the masterpiece. From International Client visits at work to a family celebration — where there is culture, there is rangoli.

Here is one of the most beautiful Rangolis I have ever seen!

Everyone has their own traditions too.

1. We love ourselves some Jalebi dipped in milk on Diwali.
2. The difference of opinion on the lighting arrangement isn’t very uncommon.
3. I have a personal tradition to get Mehendi applied to my hands before the festival. This Diwali marked the 3rd year of my tradition. Back in school, Mehendi wasn’t allowed. It is my time now.

Is this the only way of celebrating Diwali? No.

Is there a wrong way to celebrate Diwali? If your way doesn’t harm or the environment, then no!

Diwali customs may have changed over the years but we have the same festive spirit. Essentials of celebration are to brighten up our surroundings as much as we can. After all King Ram doesn’t return to his kingdom every day!

The importance of the festival lies in its essence. Every family has very unique traditions. As we grow older, we make some of our own too. Diwali is a reason to visit your family, to meet with friends, an excuse to eat sweets, spend a little much money shopping and also happiness.

Write back because I would love to know all about your traditions too!