Celebrations

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 16; the sixteenth edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following
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Write an Essay in 150-200 words describing your Diwali Celebration.
(STD –V/ SUB - ENGLISH/ ASSIGNMENT: VACATION HOMEWORK).
Blog a ton 16 seems to have indirectly replicated what our English teacher did years back. Though "Celebrations" could be treated in any form, I prefer maintaining Diwali as the theme.


Waking up before dawn, and attiring the new dress, prior sunrise.
Being the 1st ones to wish the neighbours, much before they come to wish you.
Mulling over the Rangoli Designs, its colours, and spending more than decided time over the minute imperfections.

Well, these are a few instant glimpses I get, thinking of Diwali.

Going back in history, one significant ritual we miss these days is the celebration of making handmade greetings. “V2 Greetings”, as we use to call them, was a trademark behind every card. The card making would begin at least a week in advance, and invariably end just a day prior to the event. Knowingly – unknowingly it involved a lot of planning.

The festive season gets brighter with the colourful touch. Peep out of the balcony, and you see strings of lanterns dangling by the windows. The sound of crackers continues in the backdrop. Brave hearted are the ones who opt for Rockets, Bombs and the likes. We have always been satisfied with their noiseless counterparts. Step out of the house, and inhale the smoke filled air. No, I don’t intend to enter the Go-Green side. But just to say, every sensory organ gets the feel of the occasion.

Shopping for Diwali has been another big time affair at our place. Since the festival falls mostly end of Oct / beginning November, it coincides with 2 Birthdays at home. The Bday + Diwali combine shopping experience, has always been a much awaited family event.

Now I seriously wonder how many of the above points, formed a part of my School Essay on Diwali. Diwali Experience for me has been as mentioned above. But none of it really formed a part of my essay. Probably because, it would not have been in line with my classmates.
A school write- up on Diwali meant, describing the 5 (Diwali) days in chronological order, marking the importance of each day and highlighting the message Diwali brings with it. It was a true educative form of writing, but not a souvenir of the real “Celebrations.”