A Warm Welcome and Vibrant Traditions
About this time last year, my classmate Nikesh invited me, along with a few friends, to celebrate Deepavali with his family. Heading over, I had no idea what to expect—the food, the festivities, the crowd. But the moment I arrived, the mood was instantly welcoming. Nikesh’s family gathered around a large picnic table set outdoors and greeted us warmly.
Discovering the Art of Kolam and Elegance of Sarees
Though we came from different cultures, my friends and I felt right at home with his family and their guests. As the day went on, I picked up some fun facts about Deepavali that might surprise you. The first thing I noticed was the beautiful, colourful designs on the ground, known as ‘Kolam’ in Tamil. Here’s an interesting twist: Kolam are created using rice flour. And a funny tidbit? Nikesh’s uncle used the leftover rice flour to feed pigeons, which they loved.
I also noticed every woman was dressed in a saree, the traditional Indian attire. Did you know that a saree can be draped in over 100 ways? The garment measures around 6 meters long and has been cherished and worn by Indian women for generations, each style carrying its own significance and cultural meaning.
A Feast for the Senses
Then, it was time for the main event: food! As a foodie, I was thrilled to see a whole buffet of authentic Indian dishes laid out. Fish curry, butter chicken, briyani, crackers and my favourite – achar. Everything was delicious and my stomach couldn’t have been happier.
Games, Laughter and Lasting Memories
Next on the list? Games. My friends and I are fiercely competitive, so you can imagine the intensity when Monopoly and UNO came out. Amid the laughs, friendly rivalry and shared memories, I realised that Deepavali isn’t just about celebrating a holiday; it’s about spending quality time with loved ones. This experience gave me a new appreciation for the people around me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Now, I’m eagerly counting down to this year’s Deepavali, ready to make more memories with Nikesh and our friends again!
Wishing everyone a joyful and vibrant Deepavali filled with love, laughter, and light!
