I’m so excited to announce
that with Deepavali around the corner, I’ll be hosting this year’s Bhaskar celebrations for the very first
time! To be honest, I wasn’t sure at first if we would be in the mood to
celebrate this year, what with my brother being ill.
But Ma reminded us that this
festival of lights represents the triumph of good over evil, and hope over
despair. So all the more, we should celebrate and make this a special and happy
occasion for the family.
So, I’m looking at the tasks
ahead of me, such as deciding on the menu, helping to cook the food and buy the
decorations… it’s going to be a lot of work and I’m completely overwhelmed, but
with our amazing helper L’s help I think I can do it!
Growing up, I always
associated Deepavali with the chance to dress up in the prettiest new outfits
and experiment with make-up. Of course, it was also synonymous with devouring delicious
sweets and treats of the season!
More recently however, Deepavali
has meant waking up early in the morning to take an oil bath and to hand-make a
Kolam, or Rangoli outside our main door. Both Kolam’s and Rangoli’s are
symbolic representations of prosperity during this auspicious time. Kolam’s are typically made of rice and mimic
complex philosophical and religious motifs, whilst Rangoli’s are made of multi-coloured powders to denote beauty. With
a combination of bright colours and symbolic design, this Deepavali tradition has
resonated with me deeply.
Up until now everyone else
in my family probably had built their own unique associations with the festival
too. However with my brother’s diagnosis and successful operation, we’ve
witnessed light overcome darkness together as a family. And as a result, I know
we all feel more connected to Deepavali this year than ever before because of
it.
I don’t know about you, but
I’m really looking forward to a bright and happy Deepavali this year! That’s it
for this week, until next time!
Xoxo Fru Fru Shru
#Happydeepavilshruti
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