A Journey Through Light and Laughter

Dear friends,

Diwali, the eagerly awaited festival celebrated across India and beyond, marks the return of Lord Rama after a 14-year exile and his victory over Ravana.

As we close the chapter on this year’s celebrations, the echoes of glittering lights, vibrant festivities, and laughter remain etched in the canvas of our minds.

Diwali is not only a time for lights and sweets but also a moment for reflection—a time to savor cherished memories that bring warmth to our hearts long after the lamps are extinguished.

This year, as I pause to reflect, my thoughts drift to Diwali’s past, especially those golden moments from my childhood. Diwali, a festival deeply cherished by children, is about the excitement of fireworks, sparklers, and, of course, indulging in sweet treats.

With each flash of color and sound, we felt alive, our young hearts filled with awe and adventure.

Unfolding Childhood Memories

My mind often wanders back to the days when friends gathered to light crackers and set off fireworks. Among these memories is a particular incident from my childhood that resurfaces every Diwali.

I remember how, a week before Diwali, our group of seven or eight friends would gather each evening to light firecrackers and sparklers. The anticipation and camaraderie were just as thrilling as the fireworks themselves.

One memory, in particular, remains vivid. One evening, as we were lighting fireworks, I held an ‘anar’ (a fountain firework) in my hand, ready to toss it onto the ground.

But, as fate would have it, this was a defective one. Just as I was about to let go, it burst in my hand with a loud bang.

Fear surged through me, and a sharp burn marked my hand. My friends stood frozen in shock, unsure of what to do.

Facing Consequences with a Creative Twist

With a painful burn and a fair share of fear, I dreaded the repercussions that awaited me at home. I knew that beyond the burn, a scolding was likely in store.

But just then, my friend Kishor, ever resourceful, came up with a solution. He ran to his house, grabbed a bottle of ink (back then, ink pens were common), and generously applied it to the burned area on my hand.

While it soothed the burn momentarily, it was only a temporary respite.

Returning home was as daunting as expected. I faced not only the pain of the burn but also the scolding for the mishap.

Yet, through the stinging pain and reprimands, that Diwali left me with a special memory—a mix of laughter, fear, and unforgettable camaraderie.

A Reminder of Diwali’s Joy

Now, whenever I watch children lighting firecrackers, that childhood Diwali memory returns, reminding me of the innocence, thrill, and tiny adventures that make the festival so magical.

Diwali, after all, is a festival of sharing joy, light, and warmth with others, and for me, it’s also a celebration of memories that continue to flicker brightly, just like the diyas we light.

As we bask in the festive glow and the warmth of family and friends, let’s also cherish the memories that make Diwali a truly unique celebration.

Wishing you all the joy, light, and laughter this Diwali season. Happy Diwali.

Categories: ##Memoire

Tags: #culture, #Diwali, #Travel, festivals, India