The past 8-9 years, Diwali has just been a day when everyone celebrated and I stayed at home. The reason, there were just too many! But this year, it was different, though nothing was planned. Also, this was my first Diwali after shifting to Mumbai.
The whole day Joy and I lazed around at home. Late in the afternoon, Joy went to his office as there was a Puja happening there. While I was at home alone, I quickly packed the diyas, candles and chocolates that I bought for my parents and my sister. I am a recycle freak! People just might start hating me for reusing wrapping paper, ribbons, ornamentations, but I don't care! I am a firm believer of recycling everything that can be recycled.
I took out a rather new looking old basket, and some zari strips, and decorated the basket. It looked nice, at least I found it nice. That's what matters at the end of the day, isn't it? Joy returned around 7 in the evening. Then we lit the candles at home, and a little later, we went to my parent's place.
Since I am so used to doing nothing on Diwali for many years, I really didn't know what to do after some time. My sister is a religious person and visits temples very regularly to offer her prayers. And, she was going to a temple in Juhu that evening too. I had a plan, a plan that has been on my mind for many years. We decided that while she goes inside the temple and offers her prayers, I'll go around the street and distribute some food to the poor.
I found 11 men and women and gave them food packets. I also met one fairly young man who lost both his legs and was seated on a cycle. It was obvious that he needed some money too. In a country where fit educated people don't have jobs, what would a poor, uneducated, handicapped guy do? Does he have a choice but wait for people to come and help? I didn't get a chance to talk to him and find out if there was something I could do to help, but I intend to do that in a couple of weeks. I just gave him some money. Guess the joy of giving is a feeling that cannot always be expressed in words. I just know that when I was coming out of that street I was a happy woman!
After returning home we burst some crackers, me the least! I am just scared of crackers. After many years I had a lovely time with my family, and also celebrated Diwali my way! A little giving, a little sharing goes a long way....
5 comments:
hi, 'am a new fan of ur blog, do write more often. Yesterday we exchanged mails about the short toed eagle & today i was looking something about Teach India & lo behold i find u !!
Is this what people call coincidence ?? hehe.
Hi! sorry don't know your name... thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a very encouraging comment. Will write more often, just that sometimes I don't find time to write as the work pressure rises.
Cheers! :)
not many would do what u did on Diwali. I know of very very few people who actually spent time with the less priviledged. you have a marshmallow heart...no a BIG heart!
I agree with Ketchup Girl! You have a big heart. I think festivals should be the time we share with the less privileged. There is no greater joy than sharing and giving. Kudos to you!
@ Aparna and Suchandra... Thanks a bunch the 2 of you to have read this post and leaving such lovely comments! My spirit and interest to reach out to people is doubled!:)
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