Very honestly, two years away from home, friends and my ‘desh’ (country) in the United States was not bad at all. It was enriching, empowering and energizing! I loved every moment of being there except the times when there was an Indian festival that I was missing back here. Come October and I would reminisce the festive season in Delhi, the nip in the air, the not-so-sunny mornings, the innumerable trips to sales across South Delhi and the rush for Dilli Haat crafts bazaar. Aah! It was at those times that I realized how far I was from home, my country…and the festivities. Ofcourse, there were other new festivals to learn about and celebrate and also several opportunities to celebrate my festivals with friends and family in the US, but none of that could fill the void that surrounded me every time there was an Eid, Diwali, Baqrid and Holi.
Well, this year was truly special since I returned home, got myself a wonderful job in Delhi, reconnected with old friends and found some new and nice ones, and decided to chase few of my many dreams. More importantly, I made up for the two years that had gone by with very little festivities. Here, I must acknowledge the spirit of celebration and rejoicing in life that I learned from my American friends which literally added ‘fuel to the fire’. This time, the festive season in Delhi began a little sooner than usual with the Commonwealth Games being held in the city in October. Despite the several controversies that engulfed the Games and infuriated many of us, including me, I as a Delhiite was a happy camper once the games began; the anger for once was replaced by a sense of pride, honor and enthusiasm. I decided to ‘Come out and Play’, dragged my family too, even my five year old nephew who was just not happy watching the 'girls' do rhythmic gymnastics. Finally, I patted my back for being part of this moment in the history of Delhi, which was nothing less that super fun!
Diwali followed soon after. Now Diwali has always been integral to us, even as Muslims. I remember as kids, my sister and I would light up candles with our parents on Diwali in that long balcony of our old apartment, and then light sparkles and burst crackers with older cousins. Thankfully, all those years no one ever questioned us for celebrating a festival that is essentially not a Muslim festival. But somewhere over the years we stopped celebrating Diwali at home. I don’t really know why but I guess we were growing up and ended up being with friends on all such occasions. Anyway, this year when I have been at my festive best I decided to celebrate Diwali at home again with the same fervor we did many years ago. Its funny to imagine the extent but actually on Dhan teras, which is two days before the main Diwali I ventured into the local market with my sis and ended up buying some new ‘bartan’ (utensils) for our home, which is a ritual on this day. Ofcourse we bought crackers, diyas and candles but the best part of the shopping was buying the ‘kheel khilaune’ - a delicious combo of puffed rice and sugar candies in the shape of animals that is so diwali special! I was loving all of this! All along I knew that this is precisely what I missed about being away and here was my chance to get over it…and that’s just what I did! Diwali evening and night was full of visits to friends, enjoying some great food, exchanging gifts and then bursting the crackers with my little nephew and the kids in the neighborhood. My best moment in the entire day was when I lit diyas in our house after several years and my mother excitedly joined in … I smiled to myself thinking the festivity bug had bitten others too J
Around the corner was Baqrid (Eid ul Zuha). My new silk suit and dupatta were a clear statement of my festive mood, which thankfully got noticed by many (so was not wasted). Visits by friends, phone calls, text messages and Facebook wishes, coupled with loads of sweets, awesome biryani and kababs completed a truly joyous day.
One week later, I ponder and realize that this is the fun of staying in this amazing country that has so much richness to offer through its diversity. Being secular and fun-loving is simply the icing on the cake. It’s great to experience how you can capitalize on these several occasions and festivals to add happiness and celebrations to a mundane and monotonous life! So, thank you God that I’m an Indian and a secularist with respect for all religions, which opens so many windows for me to indulge in fun and festivities all the year round with my lovely friends.
So what’s next…Christmas and Holi…bring ‘em on!!
