Diwali - An Everyday Celebration

Good defeats Evil and for eternity thereafter, the people shall have a reason to rejoice, celebrate, abstain from sinful activity and eat lots of food! Definitely not the textbook explanation, but it'll get me through the day. Celebratory fervor enhances all things. The excitement that new beginnings elicit is steadfast and firm amidst Diwali celebrations across the board. So many types of relationships are elevated to another level simply due to the intrinsic significance that is attached to the Festival of Lights!

Neighbors are awarded with freshly made sweets for their geographical prudence in selecting their home location. Strangers are greeted with subtle and warm smiles. A silent acknowledgment of their existence and their vital contribution to the human race. It may be done unconsciously, but it is evident nonetheless, kindness is manifested on account of the elation attached to the Diwali festival. Acquaintances are warmly addressed with much more love and affection. Friends are appreciated with a heartfelt sentiment usually spared for weddings or funerals. Family can't do any wrong. From the grandmother who asks questions incessantly to the annoying cousin who can't just take a hint. Estranged family are embraced and welcomed by a bridge crossing over the stubborn seas. It's the Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, Cosby clan, for the duration of the festivities at least.

Relationships that already are swimming laps in the clouds are elevated to another world during Diwali. The loved ones get the routine tender love and care with the added touch of appreciation and recognition. It makes all the difference when considering the start new year is akin to a bud yet to blossom. There is hope and promise for a brighter future and it's all attributed to the significance attached to Diwali. Couples are comprised of a pair, but function as a single unit. Stepping with the best foot forward allows the rest to just follow. Each spouse takes the time to appreciate the other during this time. So much work goes into preparing for this festival. Whether it's cooking food from sunrise to sunset for an entire week before the actual holiday or it's standing on line at a modest sweet store to get packages that will convey the sentiments filling the heart. Making the rounds to satisfy the familial and associated responsibilities becomes a battle for the couple to face together. Arm in arm, sweets in tow, making the rounds and ultimately coming home. Arriving at a rangoli decorated stoop, decorative lights illuminating the walls, sitting down together and knowing that the true meaning of Diwali is in that moment when they each realize they wouldn't have wanted to enjoy this festival with anyone else.

Generalizations will often result in alienating some people in some way. There is no way the thoughts expressed here are applicable to all people. But when considering the positive energy that is transmitted across a spectrum of personalities during this wonderful festival, it's a hope-filled perspective. It may not be how it is, but it sure wouldn't be so bad it were like it. There is a simple joy to Diwali and it's visible in the extra pep in people's step. Enjoy life's joys, big and small. It will make the difference between having a lasting memory or experiencing an everlasting moment. Ask yourself whether you'd want a photograph of an experience or a chance to relive the moment infinitely. Make everyday Diwali. Smile at the strangers. Be kind to your neighbors. Care about your friends. Love your family. Appreciate and value your spouse. Do all of these things everyday, as if everyday were Diwali.

NAVRATRI - Garba-time

Happy Navratri to those who actually celebrate this festival. To those who just care to partake in the festivities; happy garba, raas, and sanedo to you. It's a festive time, women dressed in elaborate Indian attire, men dressed in traditional kurta pyjamas. It's an eclectic scene; a beautiful array of colors harmoniously circling the idol of a Deity while engaged in rhythmic and various forms of dance. Each year this festival brings together the Indian community and it's an encouraging manifestation of two worlds merging.

This festival brings out so much that is wonderful about our culture and heritage. Beauty, elegance, history, tradition are all petals of the flower that is Navratri. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil. Navratri year after year often falls within a few weeks of Halloween and it seems that this festival also brings out the vampires, ghouls, and goblins from within the Indian community. I'm referring to the thug life, wannabe 'gangsta' teenage guys with countenances suited for mug shots. Along with teeny Tupac and bopper Biggie, there are the girls who show up in ghetto fab jeans, or indecent Indian clothes (i.e. no blouse). To compound matters, these ragamuffin teenagers show up at garba and use the time as their own personal meat market. It's disappointing to witness the way some of these kids behave. It's a shame the cloud of their arrogance is thicker than veil of their ignorance.

Showing up at garba to scope out and pickup girls has a place in the history of these events from the beginning. Back in the day when Expo Hall in New Jersey threw the grandest garba party in the entire nation, more than a few guys were there with an agenda other than dancing to Falguni Pathak. Wherever there are pretty girls, dressed up and free to roam the range, there will be guys hot on their trail. No sense in fighting with Mother Nature and human nature. Years back there was a sense of respect that was prevalent. What's apparent now is this respect is less prevalent. The junior mafias that attend the garba events at local high school gymnasiums across the country are showcasing their new threads, their new shades, new whips, new anything. It's a symposium of adolescent egos gathering to demonstrate who is going to be the alpha male and female. Recently the following conversation between a girl and a guy at garba event in New York:

Girl: "Don't I look pretty tonight?"
Boy: confused look, unsure how to respond, so he just nods.
Girl: "Don't answer that. I looked prettier yesterday."

Now this is one exchange, and it's definitely not representative of the general population. But look around next time you are attending a garba event and see for yourself. Take notice and see if you can recognize the deterioration of our culture happening right before your very eyes. Look at how some of the teenagers dress and how they conduct themselves. Notice the sleazy, meat market feel to the whole place. There are kids at garba events that just look like they should be at a house party.

There is a tremendous amount of tradition and culture that is prominently displayed during this time of year by Hindus. There is the religious aspect of celebrating the victory of good over evil (Ram defeats Ravan). There is the cultural aspect where the Indian woman has the chance to dress in ornate, traditional, decent attire. There is the community component which brings so many people together linked by a common heritage. There is so much that is so great about this time of the year. Let's take the time to appreciate it and extend ourselves in some way to preserve this beauty for future generations.