Days of Diwali past

Look around and smell the air — well, it is still polluted, but things definitely seem to be better than how they were last year. Oh, and where did the constant stream of noise pollution from firecrackers vanish? Certainly, the 2019 Diwali has been going quieter and calmer, even as Dilliwalas are decking up in sherwanis and lehengas, and their homes are embellished in fairy lights — much like how things are every year.

While certain aspects of the festival are timeless, the same cannot be said about everything.     

Therefore, we ask Delhiites to recall the days of Diwali past, and compare them with today’s Diwali.

Academician Chhavi Bakaria, who has lived in the city all her life, reveals, “I miss the visits from relatives. It is understandable though, given that the traffic has taken a turn for the worse in Delhi over the last few years.” She recalls, “Diwali was always centred around meeting and greeting people. I miss the personal touch. With the coming of Whatsapp, messages that are sent in bulk lack the emotional touch.”

Indeed, more families are in nuclear set-ups now, and with technology prevailing over most aspects of our life, people’s expression of the festivities has turned relatively impersonal. However, if you ask Ambar Charkabarti, a recent graduate, he believes “Change is good after all, considering the cracker clampdown”. He continues, “The festival’s essence hasn’t changed. Some aspects like sweets and crackers might be gone, but that’s fine, they weren’t essential anyway.”

Shriya Sachdeva, a postgraduate student, observes that the festival of lights “has become healthier in recent times” in terms of pollution reduction. There are green crackers and electric diyas now. However, Diwali shopping has lost its vibe, as many people are now shopping online. To step out in markets decked with lights and colourful decoration  made for a wonderful experience in itself, especially as a family outing.

Yet others, while completely understanding the pollution concerns, miss the firecrackers. Delhiite Khyati Arora, for instance, says, “In my childhood,  we used to start burning firecrackers one week

before Diwali. Everyone would come together for the celebrations. The houses were brightly lit with real life and not artificial candles. The excitement to go out and have fun with friends as soon as the puja got over... These days it doesn’t even feel like a festival. It has become merely a formality.”

You too can also recall your ‘old is gold Diwali days’, but one thing that has really stayed common is the joy the festival brings on people’s faces. So maybe this Diwali, just wear a smile on that face because you will look amazing no matter what.