Diwali that time of the year when everything in life becomes festive, every nook and corner of the city lightens up, every child on the street celebrates. Being away from my country made me miss all of this but the spirit and the happiness of one of the biggest festivals of India came with me to a foreign land.
Diwali for me has always been synonymous to elation, celebrations and living life to the fullest in that very week or day of celebration.When we know how to live and celebrate each and every moment of our existence, when thinking about how to add more to laughter of our dear ones becomes our only priority and when there is so much of love to give that jealousy and hatred doesn't seem to exist in our dictionaries, that's when life happens in true sense and with this intent and attitude I decided to celebrate Diwali this year around in a foreign land.
Diwali in Atlanta is very different with respect to how we celebrate it back in India but my husband assured that we replicate the same essence to enjoy the festivities brim-fully . The Decatur area in Atlanta is just like mini India and it made me cheer out of euphoria when I got to see the sweet shops, the ladies beauty parlor, the sari and jewelry showrooms decorated in the same Indian Diwali time fashion.I did loads of shopping for Laksmhi poojan ( prayers offered to Goddess Laksmi and Lord Ganesha for their blessings) , bought my favorite sweets, ate the Indian street food at one of the famous outlet in Decatur. I missed my folks for sure during all the mandatory Diwali commemorations but thanks to some sweet friends of mine who are also my partners in crime and my extended family in this foreign land.
Cleaning the houses, decorating it with lights, lighting up diyas or candles, cooking an elaborated Indian meal with sweets are all rituals of Diwali,they say it's just not the people but also the houses that speak of love, brightness and hospitality during the festive season. I did everything possible and my enthusiasm went on cloud 9 when we went to BAPS ( Swani Narayan temple ) in Atlanta for our extended jubilation,followed by a special Diwali buffet in one of my favorite restaurants in town. The whole week went in merrymaking and creating memories.
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| Lakshmi Pooja |
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Diyas and Lights : Bright lives
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| At BAPS, Atlanta |
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| Sinful Indulgence |
The essence of Diwali is such that foes become friends, strangers are welcomed into the family and all the hatred just withers away with the gleam of the diyas and the warmth of the hearts. On this note I would like to quote a message I received this festive season.
"May you all attain full inner illumination! May the supreme light of lights enlighten your understanding! May you all attain the inexhaustible spiritual wealth! May you all prosper gloriously on the spiritual as well as material planes!!"
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May you all attain full inner illumination
Wishing you all a very happy & prosperous Diwali!! |
