JOIN USFrom being the ‘festival of lights’ to turning into a show of bursting the loudest crackers, what ‘Deepavali’ stands for has changed over the years.
With increasing awareness among young and old alike, Bengalureans are choosing
to celebrate the day in a cracker-free manner. From spending time with family and playing games to contributing to the society and spending time with the elderly, the day has different meanings for different people.
Chandana, a model-turned-actor, says ‘Deepavali’ is a lot more than just fireworks — it could be a night out with friends, watching movies or going for long drives.
“I love decorating the house with ‘diyas’ and flowers. The house will be bustling with activity and filled with family friends and other acquaintances. The most exciting part of the day is dressing up for the festival,” says Chandana. She adds that a drive out with friends is also a big part of the celebration. “Sometimes we also plan a short trip or visit Nandi Hills, where we watch the sunrise and rush back home for a festive breakfast. We believe in keeping the environment clean and thus it has always been a no-cracker celebration for us,” says Chandana.
Pradeep Kumar S, an assistant manager with an MNC, says his family have been particular about not bursting crackers themselves and discouraging the practice among others.
“People visit us or we visit others and exchange goodies. It is an exciting day with loads of cooking and we relish the elaborately-prepared traditional dishes. We draw the ‘rangoli’ and enjoy other activities too,” says Pradeep.
He adds that the family sits down and plays cards, also a part of their tradition.
“This is a friendly battle in the family. While others burst crackers, we sit around and relax in front of the television.”
Pradeep encourages his friends and family to light oil or electric lamps instead of spending money on crackers. “Crackers are a definite no. Instead, we spend our time lighting ‘diyas’ all over the house. This becomes a family activity in itself,” he adds.
Some believe that the day is about giving to others and spreading the light. Omkar Dalvi, a young professional, says since he doesn’t have his family here, ‘Deepavali’ is about spending time with the less fortunate.
“For me ‘Deepavali’ is about adding a little joy to someone else’s life. I try and visit old-age homes or orphanages and gift them sweets and clothes. This, in turn, gives me happiness and I feel I have done something productive,” says Omkar.
“After all, the smile on someone’s face can give one more joy than the fumes and sounds from a firework,” he says.
While many consider bursting crackers a community activity, Smitha, a teacher, says she attends get-togethers at a friend’s place, with ‘potluck’ lunch. “It’s time ‘Deepavali’ is considered an eco-friendly event. Crackers should be avoided for multiple reasons, including keeping pollution at bay and discouraging child labour,” says Smitha. She adds that games and indulging in mouth-watering desserts and dishes add joy to the celebrations. “The happiness of spending time together is much more as compared to the sounds and pollution from the fireworks,” she says.
Prakruthi Prasad, a first-year student at Christ University, says spending time with family tops the must-do list for ‘Deepavali’. “I have young cousins whom I surprise with gifts. We also make it a point to visit the elderly members of the family and spend some quality time with my grandmother,” says Prakruthi. Well aware of the damage caused by crackers to the elderly and pets, she advises others to refrain from bursting them too.
“We do not buy crackers or gift them. Friends and relatives throng our house. We make sure it’s a loud affair, with games and chit-chat. It’s a noisy ‘Deepavali’, sans the boom of crackers,” she adds with a smile.