68) Diwali

I sit reclined on the sofa, my dad sitting beside,

The “Kandil” and the twinkly lights giving a warm, welcome glow,

Diyas surround, there is a smell of incense in the air,

Diwali once again feels like a warm hug of care.

As I sit quiet, I wonder, what the magic of this festive is,

Year on year, it almost never fails to live up to the hype,

The rows of kandils lining shops, rangoli & diyas on carts everywhere,

Provides a warmth in the hearts as you enjoy a soft nip in the air.

As a kid the festival just meant masti with cousins,

Plates full of yummy food and holiday from school & studies,

Lots of gifts from relatives and a chance to dress up,

Late nights, games and never-ending fun.

But as I grew up and moved out of the city for work,

The rituals, the customs felt more significant,

Faral, Rangoli, diyas, pujas found time within hectic schedules,

Celebrating every aspect of Diwali made me feel closer to home.

And as I returned home now, the festival still feels special,

The customs, the traditions feel like a part of me,

Every year the passion returns, love filled in the heart,

Faral & Rangoli become my expressions of art.

And I wonder why, living at home, Diwali still has a hype,

Is it because it signifies a pause in the ever-hectic life?

A break from schedules, from calls, from stress of work & travel,

A time to enjoy lights, good food & some quality time with loved ones.

Years ago, they say, Prabhu Shriram returned from his exile,

And Diwali was how Ayodhya celebrated his coming home with lights,

Today the festival continues to give joy to every heart & home,

Diwali now celebrates the homecoming of every weary soul!

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