Nostalgia is beautiful. Isn’t it amazing how a certain memory is saved in our mind and how we seek to relive those moments even after years? Festivals are something that brings us nostalgia every now and then. Over the years the essence of the festival has changed for us. Bursting crackers is no longer a priority today but once it was an integral part of the festival. Though as a kid we were not aware of the adverse effects it had on the environment and how we were contributing to creating noise and air pollution. It was the time when the only struggle in our life was patience required to light up phuljharis.
Beware, loads of nostalgia ahead!
Crackers
Have you ever tried to write your name in the air with that phuljaris? Lighting a firecracker in our hand and throwing it away at the right time was no less than a Khatron ke Khiladi. And not to forget that tribal dance we did around the chakris. The dot caps, saanp goli, and pistols..the list goes on and on!
Earthen diyas
It was the time of the year when we showed our creativity. It was the era of the traditional earthen diyas that were reused year after year. Every year, after Diwali these diyas were cleaned, dried and kept safely. On Diwali, we were asked to fill those diyas with oil in the evening. Chinese candles can never match the charm earthen diyas have.
Handmade greeting cards
No WhatsApp forwards or Facebook wishes can match emotions handmade greeting cards have. Remember how we used to create greeting cards for our teachers, friends, and family? Buying that chart-paper, sparkle pens and crayons were no less than fun.
Shopping
Back in those days when online shopping was not an option and we had to go shopping, the whole family used to go together for Diwali shopping to buy new clothes. Visiting actual shops lifted the festival spirit to another level. And how our parents would bargain to save those few hundreds.
Mud Castle
Your childhood was amazing if you have made a mud fort during Diwali. These forts were made using bricks, stones, mud and old jute sack. These forts were also sprinkled with grains to get a green cover. Once the fort was completed small idols of Shivaji Maharaj, his soldiers and villagers were placed on them.
Homework
How can we forget the homework we were allotted for Diwali vacation and how last few days were homework marathons. The word ‘homework’ still gives us jitters.
