When it's all about celebrations
When it’s all about celebrations Undivided, Muslims and Christians are celebrating Diwali like it's one of their own religious festivals. They take part in all the rituals and observe the same traditions like their fellow Hindu folks do Shiba Kurian, The Hindu
Like other festivals in India, Diwali too has a hatful of rituals, traditions and religious myths associated with it, across the country. While some celebrate Rama's return to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana, a few others observe the day to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Some erect a gigantic Narakasura dummy made with fireworks, while some have a special fragrant oil bath. What’s more, Diwali is known under different names in different regions. Lights, crackers, sweets and new dresses add to the spark of the festival. And that is why Diwali is one of the brightest and the most celebrated festivals in India, and how! But what makes the festival even more revered is the enthused participation of the non-Hindus. They celebrate the festive, including part taking in all the rituals, with the same vigour and gusto as any Hindu observing the festival. Even amidst the environment of communal tension in India, they come together to mark the occasion, dispelling all reservations that separate people by their religion and customs. Embracing all rituals For Anna Cherian, an architect, Diwali always means celebrations at her friend's house. “This is the festive where my friends' family from around the globe come together. From amusingly watching her granny making the sweetest and juiciest ladoos to untiringly listening to the Diwali tales year after year, every bit of the festival is entertaining. Like my friend, who believes that goddess Lakshmi wanders the earth looking for homes where she will be welcomed, I obediently leave my windows and doors open. I decorate my home with glittering clay lamps, strings of electric lights, flowers and colourful rangoli patterns on the floor. Also, while the youngsters are busy burning crackers, the elders would lay out mattresses on the floor and indulge in gambling; it is believed that Lakshmi can be invoked through gambling,” she smiles. According to Yasmin Sultana, a media professional in the city, the excitement that comes with Diwali is “super infectious” and is a part of her household. “The talk and research about new crackers begins days before the festival and is shopped with great anticipation. We spend the evening like the rest of India joining the revelry. Although I am not excited about crackers, my family is. Also, we look forward to the big lunch hosted by our family friends from the Hindu community,” beams Yasmin. Tharvej Bhanu, a management representative at a company in Chennai, too ensure to celebrate Diwali in all its glory. “I participate in all their poojas. We start the day wearing new outfits, burning fire crackers and putting rangoli, and end the day with the lakshmi pooja. The best event of the day is feasting on the sweets,” she laughs.
Bringing communities together Anna believes that such participation has only brought people from various communities together. “As we grew up, all these memories and gatherings only brought us closer. It made us a lot more sensitive and aware of the traditions and culture that we are surrounded by,” she says. Echoing a similar view, Tharvej says, “Diwali is a festival of lights! So we see it as a festival to celebrate. Besides, this is the opportune time to retain our communal harmony.”
Like other festivals in India, Diwali too has a hatful of rituals, traditions and religious myths associated with it, across the country. While some celebrate Rama's return to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana, a few others observe the day to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Some erect a gigantic Narakasura dummy made with fireworks, while some have a special fragrant oil bath. What’s more, Diwali is known under different names in different regions. Lights, crackers, sweets and new dresses add to the spark of the festival. And that is why Diwali is one of the brightest and the most celebrated festivals in India, and how! But what makes the festival even more revered is the enthused participation of the non-Hindus. They celebrate the festive, including part taking in all the rituals, with the same vigour and gusto as any Hindu observing the festival. Even amidst the environment of communal tension in India, they come together to mark the occasion, dispelling all reservations that separate people by their religion and customs. Embracing all rituals For Anna Cherian, an architect, Diwali always means celebrations at her friend's house. “This is the festive where my friends' family from around the globe come together. From amusingly watching her granny making the sweetest and juiciest ladoos to untiringly listening to the Diwali tales year after year, every bit of the festival is entertaining. Like my friend, who believes that goddess Lakshmi wanders the earth looking for homes where she will be welcomed, I obediently leave my windows and doors open. I decorate my home with glittering clay lamps, strings of electric lights, flowers and colourful rangoli patterns on the floor. Also, while the youngsters are busy burning crackers, the elders would lay out mattresses on the floor and indulge in gambling; it is believed that Lakshmi can be invoked through gambling,” she smiles. According to Yasmin Sultana, a media professional in the city, the excitement that comes with Diwali is “super infectious” and is a part of her household. “The talk and research about new crackers begins days before the festival and is shopped with great anticipation. We spend the evening like the rest of India joining the revelry. Although I am not excited about crackers, my family is. Also, we look forward to the big lunch hosted by our family friends from the Hindu community,” beams Yasmin. Tharvej Bhanu, a management representative at a company in Chennai, too ensure to celebrate Diwali in all its glory. “I participate in all their poojas. We start the day wearing new outfits, burning fire crackers and putting rangoli, and end the day with the lakshmi pooja. The best event of the day is feasting on the sweets,” she laughs.
Bringing communities together Anna believes that such participation has only brought people from various communities together. “As we grew up, all these memories and gatherings only brought us closer. It made us a lot more sensitive and aware of the traditions and culture that we are surrounded by,” she says. Echoing a similar view, Tharvej says, “Diwali is a festival of lights! So we see it as a festival to celebrate. Besides, this is the opportune time to retain our communal harmony.”
