Living 1000 miles far from home myself, I miss my loved ones dearly. It worsens during the festive season. But I have, like many others, let myself allure into this lifestyle which took away the little luxuries. I miss when Dussehra meant jalebies, Karvachauth brought the fun of doing nothing and sitting dolled up waiting for the moon. And the most exciting one was Diwali.
In my childhood, Diwali day used to be the busiest day for us all. We siblings helped our mother cleaning up the house followed up by getting ready, wearing new clothes, then eating kheer in honour of the elders, their remembrance meal basically. My mother and grandmother prepared various sweets.
The next few hours were spent visiting gurudwara to light the candles. We ate the whole time waiting for the evening. We would split up our firecrackers equally. Then mother lighted diyas, prayed and allowed us to set off the firecrackers with our cousins.
On the contrary, When you are living in a foreign land, often circumstances do not allow you to match up the excitement like back home. That is the main reason behind this post. I have shared a few tips to make this Diwali #Khushiyon wali Diwali# on foreign land.
Decide to be happy, no matter what the circumstances are.
The first rule of festivals is, Cheer up!!! So what if you are away from the family??? you are alone, your family is having the best time without you (as it seems, but they actually miss you equally), still there are tons of things you can do alone. As I see it, friends are basically my family away from home and I can celebrate with them. I have a chance to start my own traditions and carry on with the old ones. So on this day, I decide to be happy.
Go Diwali shopping
What is better than treating your own self. Shopping is the best getaway when I miss my family, and on an occasion like Diwali, I try to carry on the tradition of wearing new clothes by buying myself a few. I always feel new and excited to have new clothes, makeup, and soft toys no matter the size or cost. So, if something else excites you, just go ahead and do it because who cares, it is Diwali!!
Let sweets do the magic
Just like India, there are many local sweet shops in most inhabited cities by Indians in foreign countries too. You will be surprised to find new varieties of sweets there. If you live in a city that has a thin population comprising the Indian community, go to the frozen section of grocery stores, and try to find the sweets there. If nothing, even an ice-cream will make your day.
Meet and greet on Diwali.
Festivals are the perfect time to share happiness. Visit your friends, Exchange gifts with just like back home. Bring a smile to each other’s faces by sharing your most interesting Diwali stories. Get away from monotony by planning a day out. Many cities have temples where all communities come together this day. Believe me, you will not feel alone at all.
As I begin to end it, my phone has already started beeping with “Happy Diwali” texts. I am sure my family and friends will leave no stone unturned to tease me with their Diwali bash pictures. This spirit keeps me on my toes to celebrate the day with more enthusiasm and beat them. For you guys, Make sure you are happy and make others happy too. Happy Diwali to you all!!
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