American Born Confused Diwali

[mey hoon DON]

I was woken up at 7.30 in the morning by a text from my Brother saying “Wake up! Will be calling you on Skype so that you can join us (the whole family) for the Dhanteras Puja!”

With sleepy eyes I forced myself to get up and tried hard to look presentable for the big Puja. As I knew everyone at home would be all dressed up for the occasion, whereas I would be sitting in my pajamas - giving them my morning look. For the record I never get up that early on a Sunday Morning but I knew this is the only puja I am going to see this Diwali (As I don’t know how to do one). My Family made it a point that I don’t miss the traditions so they kept the iPad on till they were finished with puja. After the puja, as usual my little brother had to make me jealous as he enjoyed all the delicious dishes and sweets my Mom and Aunt had prepared.

It just made me realize how much I am longing to celebrate Diwali, the Indian way. Those streets so bright filled with lights and decoration, whole city glowing with the light of lamps, candles, and fireworks, the Diwali shopping and the dressing up. And the never-ending nights filled with sounds of firecrackers going on at every corner of the street!

In the United States, the celebrations are more subdued, given the relatively small Hindu population and -- as many Hindu Americans point out -- stringent laws on fireworks. Last year Diwali went by so quietly as we were moving in our new apartment. Not even a single sound was heard of a firecracker going off. But this year I made it a point that we will do something so that we do not miss out at our own festival!
We could see stores pilling up the Christmas decoration. We picked up some lights that we could hang in the patio but don’t know how as back home professionals use to come and do that for us (So spoiled)! I was so proud I hung one of lights myself. Don’t ask about what happened with the rest of them. Next in the shopping list were diyas! Unfortunately Wal-Mart doesn’t carry them. So had to head to the nearby Indian Grocery store. I was shocked at the price- $10 for 4 clay diya! Picked it up anyways back home it would have been 20 diyas for Rs.10!

At the same store decided to get some colors for Rangoli! Never made Rangoli in my life but wanted to do that too to keep the festive mood alive. Again overpriced! $3 for a bottle of color! Can you see now how badly I am missing India! Looked for stencils so that I don’t have put a lot of effort but to no avail. I just could not find it. Now have to be super creative to make my hotchpotch coloring technique look good for Goddess Lakshmi if she decides to visit USA!

This is a small start to my Diwali @ Home @ USA and I hope to make it a tradition for the coming years.
Have a Sparkling Diwali!

[Maximus]

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[qualityposter]

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