Diwali, with its radiant lights and vibrant festivities, has always held a special place in our hearts, and it continues to do so. It’s a festival that signifies the triumph of light over darkness and celebrates togetherness. But as the years go by, we can’t help but notice how Diwali has changed. What used to be a simple yet deeply meaningful festival has transformed into a mix of traditions and modern interests. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it’s a sign of evolution. As adults, we now look forward to Diwali with different priorities and a new kind of excitement, balancing our modern-day lives with the cherished traditions of our childhood.
The Rituals of Childhood: Oil Baths, Early Mornings, and New Clothes
Growing up, Diwali mornings were something special. The day would start before the sun even rose, with an oil bath—a tradition meant to cleanse and purify before the celebrations began. While this may sound unusual, for many of us, it’s a cherished memory of childhood. Our mothers or grandmothers would rub warm oil on our heads, and the entire house would smell of it, mixing with the scents of freshly made sweets. And after the oil bath, it was time to put on new clothes. This wasn’t just any set of clothes—it was a Diwali outfit, specially bought and saved for the big day, symbolizing a fresh start, happiness, and prosperity.
These small rituals were more than just customs; they were moments that made Diwali feel truly magical. Today, some of us may continue these traditions, but others might skip them due to busy schedules or a different lifestyle. And that’s okay—the essence of Diwali still remains.
The New Excitement of Diwali: Family Gatherings, Office Bonuses, and the Allure of Discounts
Remember when Diwali was all about home-cooked sweets, family gatherings, and bursting our favourite crackers? Personally, my favourite part of Diwali was spending quality time with family, and eating my mom’s Idli and Mutton curry. In addition to traditional rituals, there’s a new excitement that centers around modern perks—like the holiday bonuses and gift hampers from work. For many of us, receiving a box of goodies or a bonus in the bank has become part of our Diwali tradition. These gifts offer a bit of extra sparkle to our celebrations, symbolizing appreciation for our hard work throughout the year. They add a new flavor to Diwali, reminding us that even though the festival has changed, the joy it brings can still be felt.
Sales and discounts have also found a special place in our Diwali celebrations. It’s hard to ignore the thrill of snagging that dream item at a discounted price. Retail stores and online platforms roll out their best offers, and many of us find ourselves “lighting up” our shopping carts just as eagerly as we light diyas. Though this change may feel different from the elaborate preparations our parents and grandparents engaged in, it’s another way we find joy in Diwali today.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Passing Down the Spirit of Diwali
While adults may be less focused on traditional rituals, there’s a strong desire to share the true spirit of Diwali with the younger generation. Watching children light their first sparkler, taste homemade sweets, or dress up in festive attire brings back memories of our own childhood and reminds us of Diwali’s enduring magic. Parents want to pass down stories, values, and the essence of Diwali, hoping to create memories for their children just as their parents did for them. Even if the celebrations look different, the desire to preserve the essence of Diwali remains strong.
Diwali as a Personal Celebration
One of the most noticeable shifts is how Diwali has become less of a large, family-wide celebration and more of an individual experience. In the past, Diwali was a time when extended families would come together, filling the house with laughter, stories, and warmth. Today, as families are often spread across distances and schedules are busier than ever, many of us celebrate Diwali with our immediate families or even with friends, colleagues, or on our own. Though it may feel different from the close-knit gatherings of the past, this new way of celebrating reflects the diverse lives we lead today. We’re finding our own ways to keep Diwali close to our hearts, even if distance keeps us apart from family.
Embracing Change While Cherishing Tradition
Despite the changes, there’s something about Diwali that continues to feel timeless and magical. Perhaps it’s the familiar glow of diyas, the sparkle of lights that brings back childhood memories, or the scents of traditional sweets in the air. Diwali has a unique way of adapting to the times while holding onto its heart. Even as we look forward to modern perks like bonuses and discounts, we can still pause to appreciate the lights we hang, the sweets we share, and the bonds we rekindle.
Diwali’s beauty lies in its ability to evolve while remaining close to our hearts. This Diwali, let’s enjoy these changes while cherishing the traditions that connect us to our roots. After all, the true magic of Diwali is that it finds a way to be celebrated—by each of us, in our own unique way.