Twinkling diyas (lamps). Hundreds of them creating a magical atmosphere as they light up our home. This is one of my most cherished memories of Diwali, says Rohit Dhananjay Datar, Director, Adil Trading Company.
The special feeling of warmth, togetherness, and the beautiful sight of the entire family lighting lamps together are moments that bring immense joy to not just me but my entire family.
One particularly memorable Diwali moment was when I was young and my mom narrated stories from the Ramayana highlighting the importance of Diwali. As a family, we would gather around elders to hear tales of how they celebrated Diwali in their time, and it added a unique depth to our understanding of the festival’s traditions.
Another memorable Diwali was when we invited all our close friends, of various cultural backgrounds, to join in the celebrations. It was a beautiful fusion of cultures, and everyone participated in lighting diyas and enjoying the festive delicacies. It reinforced the idea that Diwali is a festival of light and unity, of celebrating friendship and togetherness and of sharing.
In our family, the Lakshmi Puja is a significant tradition. We believe that welcoming the deity of Wealth into our home on Diwali brings prosperity.
The Puja involves a meticulous preparation of the altar with beautifully decorated idols and lamps. We also exchange gifts as a gesture of love and goodwill. This is something that is of particular importance in our family.
Over the years, our Diwali celebrations have evolved to accommodate the changing dynamics of our family.
We’ve introduced more eco-friendly practices, such as using LED lights and reducing fireworks. Additionally, we’ve started incorporating digital methods of communication to connect with family members who are not physically present, making the celebrations more inclusive. These truly add sweetness to our celebrations.
During Diwali, we eagerly anticipate the delicious variety of sweets and snacks, especially Kaju Katli and Batasa. These sweet treats hold a special place in our hearts and signify the festive spirit of the occasion. Additionally, we savor homemade savory snacks like Chakli, which add a delightful crunch to our Diwali celebrations.
