The festive
season in India starts around August and continues to spread its fervour and
joyous spirit up till November when it reaches its zenith with Diwali. So while
we have ‘Id’, ‘Janamashtami – Dahi Handi’, ‘Ganpati Pooja’ in Aug/Sep, we
immerse in the ‘Navratri/Durga Pooja fever in Oct and cap it off with Diwali
celebrations in Oct/Nov. There is one festival after the other that keeps the
festive spirit high. Though, after school it has been tough to be at home for
all these festivals but Diwali celebrations have always been reminiscent with
lots of exciting pre-Diwali preparations and much sought after celebrations. So
to think of a Diwali without being at home has been a rather not thought about
scenario.
But if you
aren’t in India you hardly get a hang of this festive euphoria. London, however
is a bit different in this sense due to its cosmopolitan nature and a large
Indian diaspora in the metropolis. So although, Janamashtami, Dahi Handi and
Ganpati Pooja might not be as widely celebrated but during Navratri and Diwali,
places like Wembley and Southall hardly give you a feel that you are not in
India. The pre-festive chaos in the
markets, the spread of rangoli colours, a variety of diyas, decoration lights,
bevy of interesting crackers, sumptuous sweets and snacks clearly reinstate the
fact that Diwali has arrived, pretty much like any Indian local market, days
before Diwali. So in this sense you don’t quite miss all the Diwali fervour and
the associated build up but there is a lot more to it which actually keeps you
longing for your home back in India.
Most
importantly you miss your parents, your friends and the very idea of being with
the family at this time. You miss those sumptuous delicacies that your mom cooks
specially for Diwali, you miss your close friends and acquaintances coming home
to meet and greet for Diwali. You miss the symphony of that noisy cracker lit Diwali
night, you miss those messy roads on the next morning. And you miss that sorry
feeling that you got to wait for 1 more year for Diwali to come back again and
engross you in its magic.
But on one
hand where you experience this festive void being away from India, you do also
have this amazing opportunity to cherish and experience something totally
extraordinary being here in London. The Christmas & New Year frenzy out
here is simply unparalleled and out of this world. So while we prepare for days
and weeks for Diwali out there in India, people out here plan and prep for
Christmas for months in advance. Right from October end the festive lights
start coming up, the market and the houses alike are all decked up and readied
for the festival season ahead, the festive spirit keeps on rising exponentially
and you can feel a sense of joy and excitement in the air. There are sales and
discounts everywhere and people come out and shop in such proportions, as if
there is no tomorrow. By the time Christmas arrives the entire city basks in
the same glory as a newlywed bride does on her special day. And interestingly
where all this while we have been watching and experiencing the festival time
frenzy of the west through Hollywood movies but in reality it’s much more than
that. In fact, it’s a phenomenal atmosphere and an experience worth living at
least once in our life time.
It would be
unfair to compare the Diwali frenzy back home with the festivities at west. But
I always feel Diwali has a unique smell and a peculiar feel good zing attached
to it that we all experience days and weeks before its arrival and I could easily
figure out that people out here also feel the same excitement for December
festivities. It probably has to do with the biggest festival of the year
everywhere. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic state to be in and how we wish we
can be in the festive mode year round and feel the same happiness all around.
Though,
given a chance and choice I would prefer being soaked in the Diwali fervour
back home despite a near equal euphoria out here during Christmas. After all
heart is where is home isJ.
Happy Holidays!
--
kin…
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