Abundant family love and gastronomic delights are the two things that define Diwali in India! With each festival coming in quick succession in a year, there is hardly enough time for preparations. The king of Indian festivals is unarguably Diwali! 
Abundant family love and gastronomic delights are the two things that define Diwali in India! With each festival coming in quick succession in a year, there is hardly enough time for preparations. The king of Indian festivals is unarguably Diwali! 
But, how have the Diwali celebrations over the years changed? How have we adapted ourselves to the changing times, yet maintained a strong connection to our roots and culture?
But, how have the Diwali celebrations over the years changed? How have we adapted ourselves to the changing times, yet maintained a strong connection to our roots and culture?
We find out what Diwali actually means to this family and how their customs and practices have changed over the 3 generations.
We find out what Diwali actually means to this family and how their customs and practices have changed over the 3 generations.
Chitra Sivakumar- A Proud Grandmother Of 2 
Chitra Sivakumar- A Proud Grandmother Of 2 
Deepavali is special to me because it is not a one-day festival but the festive mood breezes in our homes almost a week before. The mesmerising aroma from mom‘s kitchen cannot be expressed in words. My mom was an expert in making wheat halwa, Deepavali leghiyam and om-podi. The mouthwatering bhajjis and onion sambhar on the previous day of Deepavali was a must, and this dictum is followed to date in our households! A lovely silk pattu-pavadai for me and pant shirts for my brothers were the norm. Men’s wear has nothing exciting even today but girls’ dresses have so many varieties that make shopping exciting- especially for a grandmother of 2 adorable granddaughters like me. 
Deepavali is special to me because it is not a one-day festival but the festive mood breezes in our homes almost a week before. The mesmerising aroma from mom‘s kitchen cannot be expressed in words. My mom was an expert in making wheat halwa, Deepavali leghiyam and om-podi. The mouthwatering bhajjis and onion sambhar on the previous day of Deepavali was a must, and this dictum is followed to date in our households! A lovely silk pattu-pavadai for me and pant shirts for my brothers were the norm. Men’s wear has nothing exciting even today but girls’ dresses have so many varieties that make shopping exciting- especially for a grandmother of 2 adorable granddaughters like me. 
My brothers will have the crackers list ready after a brainstorming session with their friends. Harmless sparklers, ground wheels and flower pots were my favourites, and I have never mustered the courage to burst crackers/ those loud bombs to date! On the day of Deepavali, the senior most in the family will apply oil for us and after bath, the new festive wear and the pooja, we would start the ‘visits session’. No TV in those days, compelling us to watch the mega-hit movie of the year.
My brothers will have the crackers list ready after a brainstorming session with their friends. Harmless sparklers, ground wheels and flower pots were my favourites, and I have never mustered the courage to burst crackers/ those loud bombs to date! On the day of Deepavali, the senior most in the family will apply oil for us and after bath, the new festive wear and the pooja, we would start the ‘visits session’. No TV in those days, compelling us to watch the mega-hit movie of the year.
So, we had quality time visiting friends and relatives and seeking blessings from elders (and their gifts were mostly Rs 5 or Rs 10, which was a big amount those days!) and celebrating the spirit of Deepavali. The whole day was spent playing, running around, bursting crackers and non-stop snacking! And while hitting the bed, I would never forget to ask mom about Deepavali next year and calculate the number of days in my dream! Good ol’ days!!
So, we had quality time visiting friends and relatives and seeking blessings from elders (and their gifts were mostly Rs 5 or Rs 10, which was a big amount those days!) and celebrating the spirit of Deepavali. The whole day was spent playing, running around, bursting crackers and non-stop snacking! And while hitting the bed, I would never forget to ask mom about Deepavali next year and calculate the number of days in my dream! Good ol’ days!!

DNY1

Dr. Vanshika Gupta-Adukia is a Pregnancy Specialist and the Founder of Therhappy. She is an internationally certified Pre and Post Natal Fitness Educator, a CAPPA certified Childbirth & Lactation Educator Counselor and a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist. Dr Vanshika's keen interest in women’s health, curiosity about childbirth and life of a fetus in a mother’s womb led her to venture in the journey of birthing and beyond as well as start Therhappy.