🌟Diwali: From Our Heart to Our Screen🌟
There was a time when the mere mention of Diwali sent waves of excitement through every child’s heart. For those of us who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, it wasn’t just a festival—it was the most awaited time of the year. The sparkle wasn’t just in the diyas; it was in our eyes, our laughter, and the air around us.
But today, things feel… different. The excitement has faded. The anticipation is gone. What changed? Why has the festival that once filled our homes with joy become just another date on the calendar?
Let’s take a little journey back to see where that magic went.
1. The Shopping Buzz 🛍️
Back then, Diwali meant new clothes—not just clothes, but dreams wrapped in fabric. We’d wait eagerly for our father to come home and announce the long-awaited shopping day. Our mother would begin the excitement weeks earlier, talking about where we’d go, what we’d eat, and what we’d wear.
The day itself was a grand affair—family outings to bustling shops, trying out new dresses, and ending the evening with dinner at the most popular restaurant in town. That night, sleep came only after one last look at our brand-new outfit laid out for Diwali morning.
But now? With online shopping just a click away and restaurant dinners turning into a weekly ritual, that special thrill has quietly slipped away. When every day feels like a shopping day, what’s left to look forward to?
2. The Joy of Togetherness 🤝
Diwali morning was pure magic. We’d wake up before sunrise, oil our hair, and take that traditional hot-water bath. The smell of freshly lit incense, the sound of new clothes rustling, and the laughter of cousins filled the house.
Then came the highlight—Diwali cash! Be it ₹5 or ₹100, those crisp notes felt like treasures. We’d rush out, pockets jingling, to burst crackers and fill the air with cheer.
The rest of the day was about visiting relatives, sharing sweets, and collecting more blessings (and yes, more cash!). Every visit was filled with warmth, hugs, and endless chatter.
And today? Most greetings come as WhatsApp forwards. “Happy Diwali” arrives as a text, not a smile. Visits have turned rare, and that old charm of meeting loved ones in person seems lost in the digital haze. Change is inevitable, yes—but the warmth of those human connections is irreplaceable.
3. The Aroma of Sweets and Snacks 🍬
Our neighborhood had a tiny oil shop right across from our house. A week before Diwali, the shopkeeper would hang two bright bulbs outside his store, staying open until late at night. It was a sign—Diwali was near! The whole street buzzed with activity.
At home, preparations began days in advance. The kitchen turned into a festive workshop—Gulab Jamun, Rava Laddu, Adhirasam, Murukku, Seedai… each made with love and laughter. Relatives would drop by to help, and we kids proudly “assisted”, sneaking a bite whenever possible.
Eating those sweets was joyful—but making them together was pure happiness.
Now, we simply tap on Swiggy or Zomato and have everything delivered to our doorsteps. Blinkit and Zepto might bring sweets in 10 minutes—but can they bring back that smell of ghee, that laughter, that love? Probably not.
The Festival Then and Now 🎇
Times have changed. Technology has given us convenience, but in the process, it’s quietly taken away the little moments that made Diwali magical. We still light lamps, but perhaps we’ve forgotten to light up our hearts the same way.
Maybe it’s time to bring back a bit of that old sparkle—not through fancy gifts or messages, but by spending real moments with real people.
So this year, let’s try to celebrate not just the festival of lights but the festival of togetherness.
Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali—filled with nostalgia, laughter, and love. 🪔💖
K. S. Omnath
Parent of K. O. Dhananjayan (I-B)
Mahatma Global Gateway CBSE
