This Diwali was very different for me. This was the first Diwali in my life where I haven’t burst crackers or lighted sparklers. Heck, I didn’t even see any fireworks anywhere.
These are the few things you miss when you are away from your country. All the festivities, all the fun. Sure there are special days here, but I just can’t connect with those. To me, Halloween is always associated with Harry Potter. I didn’t even know what “Trick or Treat” meant till a year back.
Makes me miss India much much more. I just hope I finish my studies as soon as I can and return India.
So, my Diwali was spent in calling all close friends and relatives and wishing them. I miss those fireworks. Unlike most others, I just used to love the noise and din early in the morning. I remember showing off different dangerous tricks with the firecrackers. I used to light them up in hand and throw them just in time to burst them in air. My brother used to be awed at this stunt as a kid. My mom always tried to stop me from doing that; even my dad used to try and dissuade me. But I would sneak out and do it nevertheless.
I used to think that my dad himself was afraid of crackers. I prefer using an agarbathi to light those. My dad used to roll a newspaper into a footlong roll and light the crackers using it from a safe distance. I realised that the elders are wiser rather than cowardly, from a really nasty incident. I was, as usual, trying to show off to my brother and his friends by throwing a cracker. Unfortunately for me, it lit up really fast, faster than my reflex. It burst in my hands. This was when I was in 9th standard. My entire left palm got burnt. Thankfully they were only minor burns. My mom didn’t let me go near any fireworks for an entire year
Another great delight were the diyas. Watching all those vivid designs in each house was a real treat. I miss those moments of sheer joy.
Some of the people raise concern over the air and sound pollution caused by all the firework. All I can say is that I am (and everyone else) entitled to one day of pure, unadulterated disregard of peace and quiet per year. I’m sure I more than make up for the rest of the year.
In other news, Raleigh is getting colder by the day. I have to wear thermals and a jacket whenever I step out, because I’m not at all used to this cold weather. Heck, even my face turns numb after sometime. Luckily, I’m so much of a chatterbox that I exercise my lips and mouth constantly and prevent them from getting numb. Plus, I wrote this post in 15 minutes, so please excuse any crude language.
Oh.. And Happy Diwali and Happy Halloween to all of you.
So you were quite the fire cracker yourself when you were a kid
Happy diwali to you too. Happy halloween - yeah, I always remember lit pumpkins and Harry Potter whenever I hear about it too.
Its THAT cold, huh? Quite a drastic temperature change from India, dont you think? Good to hear uncontrolled chatter prevents you from getting entirely numb
It reached -1C today.
We have a saying in Malayalam which means “the silent cat breaks the pot”. I was kinda like that as a kid. Was quiet, but mischievous. This change into talkative, but well-behaved person happened sometime in REC.
-1 C!?! That sounds very drastic. Is it going to be worse by the time you reach December???
Baaahhhh.. I’m losing readers! No one else is commenting!!
Oh no
Anyway…. belated happy Diwali
Belated Happy Diwali my friend.
Next weekend we shall celebrate bonfire night here - it is an old festival now disguised and today associated with Guy Fawkes. We shall have fireworks - lots of them - and I shall light one personally and send warm wishes your way.
I love winters…and esp the very cold ones
Enjoy the snow, when it comes calling!
@Rinchen: Oh yes!
@PT: At last you commented! How long has it been? Afraid of the light, are you?
@Milady: A much belated Thank you. And thanks for the warm wishes.
(I didn’t know Guy Fawkes is considered so important. I thought he was some kind of rebel, in a notorious kind of way.)
@Upasna: Yeah..well, It’s the Kashmiri in you speaking!
hehehe [:)] not exactly [:P]
Hehehe… witty comeback, that one!
“I didn’t know Guy Fawkes is considered so important. I thought he was some kind of rebel, in a notorious kind of way.
My recent post covers this
You have been tagged