Diwali Diaries: A Sparkling Saga of Traditions and Treats

I have always especially loved Diwali, the celebration of lights. Diwali was an experience rather than only a celebration growing up in Hisar, Punjab. It started weeks ahead. Freshly painted dwellings, marigold garlands, and the delicious perfume of ladoos and barfis cooking in every house would fill the air. Families came together to tidy and embellish their houses, therefore inviting Goddess Lakshmi to provide wealth and peace.
Diwali has always been, for me, about family and community. Using vivid colours and flower petals, I would spend hours helping my mother build beautiful rangolis right at our door while a child. With innumerable oil lamps (diyas) lighting our courtyard and their golden radiance creating lengthy shadows dancing against the walls, the evenings were magnificent. As we cheered with unbounded enthusiasm, my family would excitedly await the fireworks, their flashes of colour illuminating the night sky. As a kid, i was always scared of the fireworks
Diwali also brings back memories of my boarding school years, when celebrating with friends turned into a second family affair. Although the celebration was smaller, the core stayed the same: happiness, unity, and thanksfulness. Under the starry sky, sharing sweets, exploding sparklers, and laughing became treasured memories still warming my heart.
Now living in Toulouse, the celebration changes in colour. Away from home, I find myself looking for means to replicate those early years. This year I lit candles and had Indian sweets
Diwali is a mirror of life itself rather than only a festival. It helps us to see hope even in trying circumstances and to discover brightness among gloomy times. It reminds me, too, of the people and events that give life significance. Whether burning diyas in India, sparklers at boarding school, or candles in Toulouse, Diwali’s glow still inspires and guides me.

Recipe: Besan Ladoo (Gram Flour Sweets)