Diwali:

After a long time (almost 12 years) got an opportunity to celebrate Diwali at home. We all left on Wednesday night and got to Sangli in time for “Kali Chaudas”. Traditionally on this day we pray our “Kul Devi” (goddess of our lineage) and there is a special sweet made out of wheat called “Ghoogri” that is served on this day. Have been longing for this for a while. Mom had also made all my favorite sweets and savories that are traditional to the festival.
Then went to the market with my nephew Chirag to check out some fire works. I had not lighted any crackers in eons so ended up over buying them. It was worth it though.
Next day was Diwali. The kids enjoyed the preparation for the pooja by participating in the garland making and Rangoli (artwork made out of powdered colors). Later in the evening everyone dressed up traditionally for the Puja. Anurag and Anushka got to participate in the Puja and “Chopda Vidhi” (starting the books for the next year) and they enjoyed every bit of it. The poojan was followed with light snack.
The new year (Padva) was real busy day. My Aunt and almost all cousins in Bombay visited us for a couple of days. It was great spending time with them and all the kids playing together. These are the things that we totally miss out on in the US. Kids knowing their cousins and growing up together. Every night we lighted crackers for almost 2 hours ending with some adrenalin pumping grown up fun like lighting “Sutali Bombs” in hands and collecting all left overs and lighting all at once. It was so nostalgic and every single moment of my childhood came back.

Though for the most part it was fun some where I felt the traditions are fast changing and also getting lost. The usual Diwali Lunch which used to be such a fan fare growing up, was actually in a restaurant this time. The exchange of “Faral” (sweets and savories prepared for the festival) was almost non existent. My cousin sister actually didn’t even make any “Faral” at home, everything was store bought. None of the ladies in the house were actually keen on dressing up and going to the temple on Diwali day. No one attempted to visit other families for “Padva” (new year). It almost seemed like just the two of us had too much enthusiasm all through out (I guess Pallavi and myself are still stuck in 1996).