Happy Diwali

To start with, would like to wish people here a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali. The festival of light, may this diwali vanish all the darkness. Darkness in our thoughts, darkness in our mind and darkness in our life. It is time to shed away all negative thoughts and move with new and positive energy.
Diwali has always been very special festival for me, right from my childhood. My school was very prompt in troubling us with exams all round the year. Diwali vacations were followed by half yearly exams. One of the toughest in our school. So dusshera and diwali vacations were always dreadful for us, we perfectly knew what is in store for us after wonderful vacations. But all this was left behind on the D day of Diwali. Me and my bro used to get up early on the day of Narakchaturdashi and were ready by 7 am. As we were told that those who don't take bath before sun rise goes to Hell, ha ha..funny...
The main attraction was the bag full of crackers..during puja couldn't take my eyes away from them. I was very fond of crackers and couldn't resist my self to start bursting the crackers since morning causing much irritation of our kind neighbours.
Over the years, diwali held a very special place in my heart..i liked evey aspect of it. The lights..the celebrations all around..every one rich or poor celebrates in their most capable ways. Small kids enthusiastic about new clothes and crackers. Meeting friends..visiting them..
As i shifted to different cities for job since last 5 yrs..it is more of get together with my family now. Almost all my relatives are in Indore and we make a point to have a get together during diwali. This is most special since it gives the senseof belongingness (don't know if it is even a word) to me. My parents welcome me like a lost member in the family.. I can see happiness and contentment in their eyes as if they feel their family is complete. The empty chair in the dining table is not empty any more!!!

Yes this time i couldn't go home to celebrate Diwali but i made a point to enjoy here as much as i can. Afterall Diwali is about happiness isn't it? I called all my friends and literally pushed them our of there homes and had a get together at my place. Initially reluctant, all of us got into Diwali mood and in our most childish ways we were bursting crackers, eating sweets and happy to our core. i guess all of us needed that kind of push to be child again and enjoy Diwali. We were up till wee hours and saw the sunrise on the beach (yeah i have to admit..i haven't seen sunrise since a year or two) It was the most blissful thing for me in last few years.

..This "different" Diwali was awesome..will be cherished for quite some time..