This Diwali, my family and I shared a heartwarming celebration rooted in family traditions and togetherness. My father arrived from his duty station in Pune, and from there, we embarked on a journey through Nagpur, picking up my uncle and cousin before heading to my grandparents’ home in Jabalpur, where my father spent his childhood. It was a special place to celebrate this festival, and although my father drove nearly 1000 km in a day, his tiredness didn’t dampen the joy of being together.
Over the seven days we spent in Jabalpur, we enjoyed countless moments with family and friends. The house was bustling with energy and festivity. My mom prepared an amazing variety of homemade sweets, filling the air with their delicious aroma. She made extra to share with our neighbors and those in need around the area, which added to the warmth of the season. Together, we decorated the house with rangoli designs and lights, preparing for the pooja with great enthusiasm.
On Diwali day, we celebrated with traditional prayers, lighting diyas, and bursting fireworks. My grandparents, who are the heart of our family, shared stories from past Diwalis and taught us the importance of each ritual, making us feel closer to our roots. We also enjoyed quality time with the housekeepers and helpers who support my grandparents daily, ensuring they felt appreciated.
One of the highlights was a serene outing to the Narmada River, where we went boating and even fed the Siberian seagulls in the early morning. The peace of the river balanced the vibrant celebrations back home, making this Diwali one to remember
